ICAO Urges Continued Modernization of African Infrastructure

The rapid growth in Africa’s air traffic can only be managed through the continuation of development and modernization of airports and other local aviation infrastructure, Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, says.

Aliu told Airports Council International’s 2018 Africa Regional Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday that ICAO’s goal is “to ensure there are no constraints of infrastructure capacity, technology and financial resources for aviation development.”

Related improvements in education and training and other “human capacity development” should be considered “directly supportive of the sustainability of any new infrastructure project or new capacity being considered,” Aliu said.

ICAO is concerned that some African airports are attempting to attract international flights with impressive new terminal buildings but “without the requisite certifications,” he added.

“More attention must continue to be paid to the airside safety priorities at Africa’s airports, including international airport perimeter fencing, taxiway and runway safety, effective fire services, and better wildlife management,” he said.