ACI Africa reports 80% of African airports lack financial efficiency

Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, stated that approximately 80% of airports across Africa are not financially efficient. Speaking in Abuja ahead of the 35th ACI Africa Annual General Assembly, Tounsi noted that the industry faces multifaceted challenges extending beyond mere funding and infrastructure.

Key issues identified include digitalization, environmental risks, operational resilience, and workforce development. While Tounsi indicated that many large airports remain efficient, the broader sector struggles with these systemic hurdles. The upcoming assembly, scheduled for September 19 to 25, is expected to host over 500 participants to discuss solutions for these operational and financial gaps.

Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), noted that while Nigerian airports are undergoing modernization, there remains a need to catch up with other global markets.