Speaking at the 59th ACI Africa conference in Lagos, Nigeria, ACI World director general Angela Gittens has warned that African aviation markets had become “stifled”.
“We need access to new markets across the globe,” she said. “Aviation is a key part in continuing the economic growth of Africa.”
“Some 92 percent of airports in Africa carry fewer than one million passengers annually and tend to operate at a loss.”
However, the industry must also be able to keep pace with the rate of transformation within the industry and wider operating market to access markets.
“African airports need to respond to the needs of customers accustomed to digital disruption,” she said.
In order to facilitate the required changes, airports will therefore be heavily reliant on the support of governments and industry partners, added Gittens.
Recognising this the event host nation Nigerian confirmed its belief that aviation is a critical economic driver.
Boss Gida Mustapha, secretary to the country’s government, said the administration was “committed to bringing investment into Nigeria”.
“For the sustainable growth of airports new models must be explored; the role of partnerships with the private sector cannot be over-emphasised.”
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