LAAC 30th conference holds Thursday

The 30th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) is set to take place in Lagos on Thursday, September 10, 2026, addressing critical issues in Nigeria’s aviation industry. The conference, themed "Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth," aims to bring together various stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, airline operators, airport managers, investors, financial institutions, aviation professionals, labor unions, and the media.

The theme arose from concerns over the financial pressures faced by airlines, such as multiple charges, high aviation fuel costs, access to foreign exchange, and escalating aircraft acquisition and maintenance expenses.

The conference committee emphasizes the importance of ensuring that government revenue policies do not impede the industry's viability, competitiveness, and growth. The event will explore ways for the government to maximize revenue from aviation without imposing excessive financial burdens on operators, which could deter investment, weaken airlines, elevate airfares, and impact passenger connectivity.

Furthermore, it will delve into the broader economic contribution of aviation, seeking to expand the sector's revenue base through avenues like increased passenger traffic, cargo development, tourism, airport commercialization, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), aircraft leasing, and other emerging areas within the aviation value chain.

Other topics expected to be discussed include airport infrastructure, regulatory effectiveness, aviation fuel accessibility, foreign exchange acquisition, aircraft acquisition and maintenance, as well as the influence of multiple charges on airlines and other operators. The conference's chairman, Suleiman Idris, highlights the 30th anniversary milestone and underscores the media's responsibility to not only report developments but also facilitate constructive dialogue on crucial industry issues.

Additionally, the conference committee chair, Wole Shadare, envisions the event as a platform to develop practical recommendations for policy formulation and implementation, reflecting on Nigeria's aviation industry progress over the past three decades and the role of aviation correspondents in fostering accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse.