The Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA) is hosting a regional workshop in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from October 26 to 30, 2026. The event aims to prepare UEMOA member states and Mauritania for new international norms on managing obstacles around airports, set to take effect on November 21, 2030. The workshop focuses on Annex 14 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (OACI), which outlines standards and recommended practices for obstacle limitation surfaces.
The presence of buildings, pylons, or other installations near airports poses a risk to aircraft safety, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. To mitigate these risks, UEMOA is providing training to inspectors and technical personnel from member states and Mauritania. The workshop will cover new norms and practices for establishing and monitoring obstacle limitation surfaces. This will enable participants to better understand and implement the new requirements.
Abdoul Aziz Amoussa, Director General of Burkina Faso's National Aviation Authority (ANAC), emphasized the importance of controlling obstacles around airports. He noted that aviation safety depends not only on the condition of aircraft, runways, and navigation equipment but also on the environment surrounding airports. Amoussa highlighted the need for cooperation and coordination among civil aviation authorities, airport operators, and territorial planning stakeholders.
The new norms require states to establish and monitor obstacle limitation surfaces around airports. These surfaces are defined areas where construction and obstacle heights are restricted to ensure safe air operations. The application of these norms will require collaboration among various stakeholders, including civil aviation authorities, airport operators, and territorial planning actors.
Jonas Gbian, UEMOA Commissioner, stressed the importance of preparing for the new norms, which will come into effect on November 21, 2030. He emphasized the need for states to develop the necessary technical and regulatory frameworks, train personnel, and conduct topographic surveys to establish new obstacle limitation surfaces.
The workshop aims to enhance participants' understanding of the new international requirements and share experiences to facilitate their harmonized implementation. The event also provides an opportunity for states to assess their current situation and develop strategies to address potential challenges.
The UEMOA workshop is a significant step towards improving aviation safety in West Africa. By preparing member states for the new norms, UEMOA is helping to ensure that airports in the region meet international safety standards. The successful implementation of these norms will contribute to reducing risks and enhancing the overall safety of air operations in the region.
Key points
- UEMOA member states and Mauritania are being prepared for new international norms on managing obstacles around airports, set to take effect on November 21, 2030.
