The managing director/chief executive officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, has emphasized the need for increased investment, stronger partnerships, and strategic reforms in Africa's aviation sector. Speaking at the Airports Council International Africa (ACI-Africa) Regional Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, Onabanjo-Kuku highlighted the growth opportunities presented by Africa's aviation sector for governments, airport operators, investors, and industry stakeholders. The conference theme, “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” reflects the sector's focus on sustainable development.
Onabanjo-Kuku, also the vice president of ACI-Africa, cited data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showing African airlines recorded a 6.4 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026. This growth contrasts with a 0.1 per cent decline in global international passenger demand during the same period. Africa's overall passenger demand grew by 5.2 per cent, indicating a positive trend in the region's aviation industry. These statistics demonstrate the sector's resilience and potential for further expansion.
Nigeria's aviation market has emerged as the fourth-largest in Africa, with 18.8 million domestic and international passengers recorded in 2025. This represents an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase, underscoring the country's growing importance in the regional aviation landscape. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, recorded a 24.1 per cent increase in scheduled seat capacity in September, the fastest growth among Africa's 10 largest airports. This growth is attributed to various factors, including currency reforms and new aircraft leasing agreements.
Nigeria's total scheduled airline capacity for September 2026 reached 1.19 million seats, representing a 37.4 per cent increase from the same period last year. Onabanjo-Kuku attributed this growth to currency reforms, new aircraft leasing agreements, and growing confidence among international carriers operating in Nigeria. The increase in airline capacity reflects the country's improving aviation infrastructure and its appeal to international airlines.
Despite the growth, Africa's aviation industry continues to face structural challenges, including funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, high operating costs, and fragmented connectivity. Onabanjo-Kuku emphasized the need for strategic reforms and increased investment to address these challenges and build resilient airports. The FAAN boss highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations in driving growth and sustainability in the sector.
As the vice president of ACI-Africa, Onabanjo-Kuku is well-positioned to drive change and advocate for the sector's needs. The ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition 2026 provides a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss key issues, share best practices, and explore opportunities for growth and development. The conference aims to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among airport operators, governments, and industry experts.
The call for next-generation airports and stronger aviation investment is timely, given the sector's growth potential and the need for sustainable development. Onabanjo-Kuku's advocacy for strategic reforms and increased investment is expected to resonate with industry stakeholders and policymakers. The future of Africa's aviation sector depends on addressing the existing challenges and harnessing the opportunities presented by the sector's growth.
Key points
- FAAN CEO Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku calls for increased investment in Africa's aviation sector.
- Nigeria's aviation market is now the fourth-largest in Africa, with 18.8 million passengers recorded in 2025.
- Africa's aviation industry faces structural challenges, including funding constraints and infrastructure gaps.
