‘80% African airports financially inefficient’

Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, revealed that around 80 percent of airports on the African continent are not financially efficient. Tounsi made this statement during a meeting in Abuja, just before the 35th ACI Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition, set to take place from September 19 to 25.

The challenges facing African airports are multifaceted, according to Tounsi. These include financial inefficiency, digitalisation issues, environmental changes, and the need for better operational resilience. "It's not just about infrastructure or money," Tounsi emphasized. "It's about everything - digitalisation, preparation, environment, skills, people, the future, everything."

The conference aims to bring together airport experts and industry stakeholders to identify solutions to the problems plaguing African airports. Tounsi expects over 500 participants, over 40 speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors, which exceeds the initial prediction of between 350 and 400 delegates. This larger-than-expected turnout could pose logistical challenges.

Nigeria was chosen to host the event due to its significant position as one of Africa's largest aviation markets and a key player in West Africa. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), stated that Nigerian airports are undergoing transformation and modernisation but still need to catch up with other markets.

She noted that the conference would offer Nigerian airport stakeholders the chance to learn about modern technology and infrastructure that could benefit their airports. "It's an opportunity to learn, it's an opportunity to understand more modernized, upgraded technology infrastructure or service infrastructure that we can take up within our airport environment," Kuku explained.

She also mentioned that FAAN is collaborating with security agencies and sister agencies to prepare for the conference, setting up dedicated desks at the Lagos and Abuja international airports to assist attendees.