The International Air Transport Association, IATA, has reaffirmed the strategic importance of Africa and the Middle East to global aviation despite ongoing economic and geopolitical headwinds.
Speaking at a media briefing during the 2026 IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, emphasized that both regions remain critical for global connectivity, tourism, and trade.
Addressing journalists at the 2026 IATA Annual General Meeting, Regional Vice President Kamil Alawadhi identified critical bottlenecks stifling aviation growth in Africa.
He listed safety oversight, high operating costs, blocked airline funds, and punitive taxes as major hurdles.
Alawadhi called for strict compliance with global safety standards. He urged increased technical support to boost national accident investigation and reporting capabilities across the continent.
The IATA chief also pressed governments to fast-track Sustainable Aviation Fuel development, advocating for urgent policy reforms to build a more efficient, cost-effective aviation ecosystem.
Highlighting Africa’s unique cost penalties, Alawadhi revealed that jet fuel on the continent is 17 percent more expensive than the global average due to supply chain gaps. Furthermore, airport, airspace, and statutory charges sit 8 to 15 percent higher than global standards.
IATA insists that aviation remains a vital economic driver. The body is calling for deeper regional cooperation, supportive fiscal policies, and sustained investment to fully unlock the potential of the African and Middle Eastern skies.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
