Aviation Africa 2026 Opens in Nairobi as Industry Calls for Action on Skills, SAATM and Crew WellbeingNAIROBI, Kenya – September 9, 2026 —
The two-day summit, running from September 9–10, 2026, has brought together airlines, regulators, aircraft lessors, financiers, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers, training institutions and other aviation stakeholders.
Discussions on the opening day focused on safety, human capital, access to finance, market liberalisation and the wellbeing of aviation professionals, with industry leaders calling for urgent action to unlock Africa’s aviation growth potential.
Although Africa currently accounts for only about 2–2.5 percent of global aviation activity, speakers noted that the continent needs sustained double-digit annual growth to significantly increase its share of the global aviation market.
Skills and Capital Remain Major Challenges
Industry leaders identified human capital and access to capital as two of the major barriers facing the sector.
The rapid expansion of aviation requires a growing pool of highly skilled pilots, engineers, cabin crew, technicians and other professionals capable of supporting safe and efficient operations.
Stakeholders also pointed to the high cost of financing and insurance in African aviation, noting that elevated insurance premiums continue to place additional pressure on airlines and aviation businesses.
Calls to Accelerate SAATM Implementation
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) also featured prominently during discussions, with speakers urging African governments and regulators to move more decisively toward its implementation.
Greater liberalisation of African airspace, delegates said, could improve connectivity between African cities, increase competition, reduce travel costs and create new opportunities for airlines and passengers.
Crew Wellbeing Takes Centre Stage
The wellbeing of cabin crew emerged as another important issue, particularly in relation to the growing challenge of unruly passengers.
During a session on mental wellness, Capt. Raphael Wamwati called for stronger systems to support cabin crew who experience stressful and traumatic incidents while performing their duties.
“There is an increasing issue with unruly passengers which has a tremendous burden of stress on cabin crew. In many places we don’t pay attention and we don’t give them somebody to talk to. Taking care of cabin crew is very important,” said Capt. Wamwati.
He shared an experience from 2017 in Dubai, while operating a Hawker 800, where crew members were required to manage a highly stressful situation involving a client.
Capt. Wamwati also encouraged stakeholders to promote more positive conversations on social media, highlighting the message: “We listen and we don’t judge.”
Call for Immediate Action
The discussions underscored the need for African aviation stakeholders to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical solutions.
“African aviation is facing many challenges – people, skills, capital. We need SAATM to help aviation grow. We need action here, now, today. Action, action.”
Aviation Africa 2026 continues on September 10, with further discussions expected to focus on digital transformation, innovation, aviation safety and financing the future growth of Africa’s aviation industry.
About Aviation Africa 2026
Aviation Africa 2026 is a major aviation summit and exhibition bringing together stakeholders from across Africa and the global aviation industry. The 9th edition is being held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 9–10, 2026, under the banner #AVAF26.
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