FAAN Boss Calls For Next-gen Airports, Stronger Aviation Investment

The managing director/chief executive officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, has called for increased investment, stronger partnerships and strategic reforms to build resilient and commercially sustainable airports across Africa.

Onabanjo-Kuku, who is also vice president of the Airports Council International Africa (ACI-Africa), made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” she said the growth recorded in Africa’s aviation sector presented significant opportunities for governments, airport operators, investors and other industry stakeholders.

Onabanjo-Kuku said data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that African airlines recorded a 6.4 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026.

She said this compared with a 0.1 per cent decline in global international passenger demand during the same period, while Africa’s overall passenger demand grew by 5.2 per cent.

According to her, Nigeria’s aviation market is now the fourth-largest in Africa, with more than 18.8 million domestic and international passengers recorded in 2025, representing an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

She also said the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, recorded a 24.1 per cent increase in scheduled seat capacity in September, describing it as the fastest growth among Africa’s 10 largest airports.

Onabanjo-Kuku further said Nigeria’s total scheduled airline capacity for September 2026 reached 1.19 million seats, representing a 37.4 per cent increase from the same period last year.

She attributed the growth to currency reforms, new aircraft leasing agreements and growing confidence among international carriers operating in Nigeria.

Despite the growth, the FAAN boss said Africa’s aviation industry continued to face structural challenges, including funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, high operating costs and fragmented connectivity.