Munich Airport Launches Development Programme to Transform African Airports
Munich Airport International (MAI), the global consulting arm of Germany’s Munich Airport, is spearheading a new initiative to elevate the capacity, efficiency, and global competitiveness of African airports. With the launch of its comprehensive Airport Manager Development Programme for Africa, MAI aims to equip airport leaders with the tools and expertise needed to position their facilities as modern, sustainable, and commercially viable hubs.
This initiative draws inspiration from the Nigeria Airport Business Summit and will include a mix of executive workshops, specialised training, and a peer-review benchmarking forum. The programme is designed to transfer Europe’s extensive experience in airport development and management to African aviation leaders, providing them with practical knowledge and actionable strategies. Key focus areas will include operational efficiency, business development, and regional connectivity, aligning with Africa’s broader aviation ambitions such as the Single African Airspace initiative.
A key moment in the programme’s development occurred in late January 2026, when a delegation of Nigerian aviation stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, visited Munich Airport. Coordinated by FCI International Ltd., this high-level technical exchange focused on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, regulatory alignment, and the integration of unmanned aviation systems. German and Nigerian experts worked together to explore safe and scalable drone use cases, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing future-ready aviation solutions.
This recent collaboration builds on more than five years of technical cooperation between Munich Airport and Nigerian aviation institutions. During this period, the partnership has addressed critical areas such as airside operations, terminal management, facility maintenance, and airport master planning. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has been an active partner in these efforts, reflecting a long-standing commitment to improving Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Mr. Fortune Idu, Managing Director of FCI International and a key partner of MAI in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of meaningful knowledge exchange in connecting African aviation stakeholders to global business corridors. “It is essential that African airport managers gain practical access to global expertise and strategies that can be applied effectively in their own operations,” he said. He also highlighted MAI’s role as a World Business Partner of ACI Africa, which facilitates deeper cooperation across the continent.
As part of its ongoing efforts, MAI has scheduled additional programmes in Munich later this year. These sessions will focus on airport business development, sustainability, and innovation, equipping participants with the tools to transform airport management into a profitable and future-ready enterprise. By addressing critical challenges such as environmental sustainability and economic resilience, the programme aims to prepare African airports for rising passenger volumes and shifting global travel dynamics.
The broader vision behind this initiative is to support Africa’s economic and aviation integration efforts. With major projects such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) gaining traction, strong and efficient airports will be essential to unlocking growth and facilitating regional connectivity. By transferring tested European expertise to African airport managers, MAI hopes to foster the development of competitive hubs that can attract investment, improve passenger experiences, and support regional trade and tourism.
As traffic volumes across Africa are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, the need for modern, well-managed airports has never been greater. The Airport Manager Development Programme is positioned to address this demand by equipping African aviation leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive operational excellence and long-term growth. Participants will gain insights not only into optimising airport operations but also into leveraging innovation to meet the evolving needs of passengers and stakeholders.
This initiative further underscores Africa’s growing importance in the global aviation landscape. By strengthening airport infrastructure and management, the continent is poised to position itself as a hub for travel, trade, and investment, ensuring its airports remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly interconnected world. Munich Airport International’s commitment to supporting this transformation highlights the critical role international partnerships play in advancing Africa’s aviation sector and unlocking its full potential.
