Aviation Africa 2026: Building the Continent’s Runways for Tomorrow

Africa’s aviation boom is only as strong as the tarmac beneath it. As the continent’s airlines chase ambitious growth targets, one question looms large: does the infrastructure underneath actually match the ambition? 

This year’s Aviation Africa summit and exhibition will see the infrastructure session on Thursday 10 September tackle this head-on, bringing together voices from the airport ecosystem - including speakers from ICAO, Kenya Airports Authority, Dakar Airport, Senegal, Swissport Kenya, SITA, and Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority – for a candid discussion on airports and ground infrastructure. 

The airports panel will delve into the hard-hitting questions: who pays for next-generation airports, whether PPP models are the solution for funding ground infrastructure across the continent, and when an airport stops being a national asset and becomes a commercial business.

Add to that the regulatory maze many African airports operate within – fragmented rules, a lack of cohesion when it comes to approvals and the constant balancing act of setting airport charges that recover billions in infrastructure investment without pricing out the airlines and passengers that growth depends on.

The discussion will also explore whether Africa can leapfrog other regions on technology – using AI and automation to unlock capacity without pouring more concrete – and whether data is being used efficiently to spot bottlenecks before they cost airports, airlines and their passengers time and money. 

It’s not just about runways and terminals either. The conversation will also address the apron and airspace, where inefficient turnarounds can quietly drain capacity, the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining ground handling talent in a tough operating environment and how better airspace management and coordination can unlock capacity that no amount of new terminal building can achieve on its own.

Looking beyond the pain points – the panel will also spotlight where African airports are getting it right and where the continent has genuine opportunity to leapfrog rather than just catch up.

With megahubs taking shape in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nairobi, Morocco and South Africa, how are they building global competitiveness from day one? And can African airports move from competing to building a stronger, connected continental network? 

Ultimately, this is about looking ahead to 2035 and beyond – what will African airports look like and what needs to change now to get there. 

Don’t miss this session at Aviation Africa 2026.