African Aviation Trails

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French aerospace supplier Daher is relocating part of its Airbus production to Morocco, reinforcing the country's position as a growing aerospace manufacturing hub. Ethiopia inaugurated Negele Borena Geda Airport, Liberia upgraded Roberts International Airport with new navigation and weather systems, Rwanda prioritised aviation investment in its 2026/27 budget, and TAAG Angola Airlines reaffirmed its long-term growth strategy despite a 2025 loss. Meanwhile, Congo announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from 2027, Somalia suspended visa-on-arrival access for Egyptian-bound travellers, and Ghana launched a new e-visa system while waiving visa fees for African passport holders.

This edition features Swissport's expansion into Morocco's air cargo market, South Sudan's inauguration of its first independent air traffic management system, Kenya Airways' deployment of artificial intelligence to optimise revenue management, and Cairo International Airport's launch of a new digital passenger application. It also covers major investments in airport safety and security, including advanced firefighting equipment in Namibia, bird-strike mitigation technology in South Africa, aviation security cooperation in Libya, and drone and cybersecurity development in Togo. In addition, the report examines strong financial performances by EgyptAir and Tunisair, alongside the operational and economic impact of cargo disruptions affecting Kenya's flower exports, underscoring the continent's continued efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure, embrace innovation, strengthen operational efficiency, and enhance its competitiveness in the global air transport industry.

Key stories include the inauguration of Libya's Sebha International Airport, terminal upgrades in Madagascar, Kenya's multi-billion-shilling JKIA expansion plans, Airbus' proposed MRO investment in Nigeria, Rwanda's continued investment in aviation growth, Mozambique's recapitalization of LAM, South African Airways' governance reforms, and strong revenue growth at The Gambia's Banjul International Airport, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen the continent's aviation ecosystem and regional connectivity.

Angola expanded the scope of the new Cabinda International Airport, while Gabon, Tanzania, and Kenya advanced key airport infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and regional development. Eswatini inaugurated new diplomatic lounges, Zimbabwe modernised its aviation safety oversight through the adoption of the ECCAIRS 2 reporting platform, and Senegal launched a comprehensive restructuring programme for Air Sénégal and Blaise Diagne International Airport. Elsewhere, Egypt secured financing for a major Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility, Morocco attracted new aerospace manufacturing investment, and Ethiopia strengthened its digital payments ecosystem with Visa's new regional office. Meanwhile, Nigeria resolved a long-running dispute over Lagos' MMA1 terminal, and TAAG Angola Airlines faced renewed financial scrutiny over outstanding supplier debts amid its ongoing transformation programme.

Swissport expanded its African footprint through the acquisition of Cabo Verde's leading ground handler, while Egypt renewed its hosting of ICAO’s Middle East Regional Office and EgyptAir enhanced accessibility with a dedicated support facility for passengers with hidden disabilities. Ghana advanced plans to establish a new national airline and expand Kotoka International Airport, Kenya strengthened airport security with a new Joint Operations Centre at Malindi, and Liberia launched work on a National Aviation Safety Plan. Meanwhile, Malawi acknowledged major airport infrastructure shortcomings requiring upgrades to meet international certification standards, Zimbabwe’s National Handling Services expanded cargo handling capacity to support export growth, Ethiopian Airlines officially ended its involvement in the Nigeria Air project, and Servair Abidjan reported resilient operational performance despite lower net profits amid rising costs and tax expenses.

African aviation stakeholders continued advancing infrastructure, digital innovation, and industry development through investments in airport expansion, manufacturing, maintenance, and aviation services. Key developments included EgyptAir's rollout of complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, progress on Gabon and Namibia's airport expansion projects, Morocco's growing aerospace manufacturing and MRO prospects, TAAG Angola Airlines' financial restructuring, and strategic investments aimed at strengthening cargo, business aviation, ground handling, and emergency preparedness across the continent.

African aviation stakeholders advanced infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, safety oversight, digital transformation, and operational efficiency through airport expansion projects, ICAO compliance initiatives, new passenger service technologies, aviation support investments, and strategic business growth plans aimed at strengthening the continent’s aviation ecosystem and long-term competitiveness.

This section highlights major airport infrastructure, aviation investment, and institutional developments across Africa, including smart city and airport projects, airport modernization initiatives, premium passenger facilities, diversification of airport revenues, funding for aviation meteorological services, and humanitarian air transport support. Together, these developments strengthen aviation infrastructure, operational resilience, sustainability, and the sector’s contribution to economic growth and regional connectivity.