Munich Airport launches program to modernize African airports

Munich Airport International (MAI), the consulting arm of Germany’s Munich Airport, has unveiled a new initiative to strengthen the capacity, efficiency, and global competitiveness of African airports.

The Airport Manager Development Programme for Africa is designed to equip aviation leaders with practical skills and strategies to operate modern, sustainable, and commercially viable facilities. 

The program combines executive workshops, specialised training, and peer-review benchmarking forums.

It draws inspiration from the Nigeria Airport Business Summit and aims to transfer Europe’s extensive experience in airport management to African stakeholders.

Core areas of focus include operational efficiency, business development, and regional connectivity, supporting broader efforts such as the Single African Airspace initiative.

Building Knowledge Through Collaboration 

A milestone for the initiative took place in January 2026, when Nigerian aviation officials, 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.

The visit, coordinated by FCI International Ltd., focused on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, regulatory alignment, and drone integration.

Experts from both countries explored safe and scalable use cases, reflecting a shared commitment to future-ready aviation. 

This collaboration builds on more than five years of technical cooperation between Munich Airport and Nigerian institutions, covering airside operations, terminal management, facility maintenance, and airport master planning.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has played an active role, demonstrating a long-term dedication to advancing the nation’s aviation sector.

Preparing Africa’s Airports for Growth 

Mr. Fortune Idu, managing director of FCI International, emphasized the importance of global knowledge exchange.

“African airport managers need practical access to strategies and expertise that can be applied effectively in their operations,” he said. MAI’s partnership with ACI Africa further supports cooperation across the continent. 

Additional programs are planned in Munich later this year, focusing on airport business development, sustainability, and innovation.

The goal is to equip participants to handle rising passenger volumes, meet environmental standards, and turn airports into profitable and resilient enterprises. 

As Africa expands its economic and aviation integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market, modern airports will play a central role in supporting regional trade, tourism, and investment.

Through international partnerships like MAI’s, African aviation leaders gain the knowledge and tools needed to compete globally.