Africa’s aviation sector is experiencing a period of significant transformation, characterized by substantial infrastructure investments and growing international connectivity. As the continent’s economies develop and air travel demand increases, ground handling operations have become a critical component in supporting this expansion. However, the sector faces a complex landscape where rapid growth in certain regions contrasts sharply with persistent infrastructure limitations and operational constraints in others.
Investment has catalyzed ambitious airport development projects across Eastern and Southern Africa. These investments represent more than just infrastructure upgrades - they signal a recognition of Africa’s potential as a vital hub in global aviation networks. Yet this growth story is not uniform across the continent, with significant disparities in development levels and operational capabilities between different regions and airports.
Abdoulaye Cisse, head of Africa, Menzies Aviation, emphasizes this point: “The potential for air travel in Africa is huge. It has 17% of the world’s population yet only contributes about 2% of total global travel. While there are hurdles to overcome, joining the IATA Focus Africa initiative is a testament to our long-term commitment to the continent, and our desire to collaborate with industry leaders to improve aviation safety, facilitate growth, and contribute to Africa’s development journey.”
Ground handling operators in Africa must navigate a unique set of challenges that differ markedly from those faced in more mature aviation markets. From limited airport capacity and inadequate infrastructure to economic constraints and regulatory complexities, the operational environment requires innovative approaches and strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable growth.
Ground handling infrastructure sees rapid growth
In Africa, airport ground handling infrastructure has experienced rapid growth, thanks in part to the contribution of Chinese, Middle Eastern, and European investors, according to Fred Kiige, UAS vendor relations manager – Africa.
“New terminals are under construction at airports across Eastern and Southern Africa. Julius Nyerere international airport (HTDA), Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume international airport (HTZA), (both in Tanzania), and Ivato international airport (FMMI) in Madagascar are just three examples of completed projects. Entebbe international airport in Uganda (HUEN) and Kigali international airport in Tanzania (HRYR) are still underway. A completely new airport is under construction in Rwanda,” says Kiige.
“By far, the largest investments have been made in Ethiopia, where, despite the construction of two modern terminals in the last 15 years, a project has begun to build a new airport much larger than all their terminals combined. Therefore, Rwanda and Ethiopia are experiencing the greatest investment and growth.”
Cisse highlights Menzies Aviation’s dedication to this growth: “As the first ground services company partnering on this initiative, we are determined to use our position and expertise to raise the bar for aviation services across Africa, providing new technologies, equipment, training and certifications.
“Menzies is a trusted partner, and we are optimistic about the outlook for the market in Africa in both the near and long term.”
Expanding on the current state and growth, Cisse adds: “The current state of aircraft ground handling infrastructure across African airports is steadily improving, driven largely by private sector initiatives. Despite Africa accounting for only 2% of global air traffic and facing systemic challenges - such as fragmented regulatory frameworks, underinvestment by governments, and political unpredictability - the continent has seen significant progress in operational standards.
“At Menzies Aviation, for example, we operate in more than 50 airports across 23 countries across Africa, and focus on bringing global, consistent best practices everywhere we operate. Local team members are being trained to operate at globally recognized standards, enabling seamless mobilization and cross-border operational support within Africa.”
Regarding specific areas of investment and growth, Cisse observes: “Among the countries seeing the most investment and growth, Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport stands out due to recent investment in a new terminal capable of handling over 22 million passengers annually. It features advanced self-service kiosks and biometric systems.”
He continues, “Another notable example is Angola’s Dr Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. Here, the government has recently completed what is considered one of the most advanced airports on the continent.
Other emerging or strategic markets include Rwanda and Ivory Coast. While South Africa’s Cape Town International Airport is undergoing a major expansion including a new runway, with a greater focus on sustainability initiatives.
“Despite some resistance to privatize ground handling, there is growing recognition of the value that global operators bring in raising standards, improving safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness. Overall, while challenges remain, the trajectory for African ground handling infrastructure is increasingly positive, with key markets undergoing transformative developments.”
Airport operational challenges
Stagnant airport infrastructure is one of the biggest operational challenges facing ground handling operators in Africa, Kiige affirms. “Many airports in Africa are small and have limited capacity for large aircraft. This prevents ground handling operators from investing in ground support equipment (GSE) or expanding their operations. Furthermore, many airports face intense competition for space and/or barely have enough space to park aircraft and can accommodate no more than a handful of handling companies. Good examples include Nosy Be (FMNN) in Madagascar, the Seychelles, and airports in South Africa,” Kiige says.
The poor state of African economies has prevented several countries from prioritizing airport development to the detriment of potential ground handling growth, according to Kiige.
“Poor airport infrastructure, such as the lack of runway lights, can lead to early airport closures, further limiting business growth. Where fuel supplies are erratic or insufficient, flights will be delayed, canceled, or diverted, causing significant inconvenience to passengers and disrupting airline network connectivity,” Kiige says.
Cisse adds a pragmatic view on addressing these challenges, especially regarding the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM): “An element of pragmatism was needed… in the next five years the harsh reality was that we could still be talking about the implementation of SAATM. You cannot sign another agreement to implement another agreement... We need to demystify to the local population through facts, for example, the growth of low-cost carriers.”
He also notes the increasing recognition of the environmental impact of traditionally diesel-powered GSE, stating, “significant progress [is] being made across the continent in places such as South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Egypt.”
Cisse elaborates on the operational challenges: “Limited airport infrastructure, resistance to liberalization, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks continue to constrain operational efficiency and growth.
“In many countries, ground handling remains a state-controlled function, with governments reluctant to privatize these services, despite the long-term inefficiencies this creates. Infrastructure at several African airports is underdeveloped or outdated, requiring significant investment to meet international safety and service standards.”
Cisse also addresses the wider regulatory and economic impacts: “With limited regional cooperation and full adoption of pan-African frameworks like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), the sector is likely to remain fragmented, restricting growth in tourism, trade, and job creation. Regulatory inconsistencies could affect safety standards, and ongoing loss of skilled professionals to other regions may hamper industry development. Addressing these systemic challenges is critical not just for the competitiveness of ground handlers, but for unlocking aviation’s broader contribution to Africa’s economic growth.”
Growing international partnerships
Kiige points out that partnerships have increased in Africa. “The most innovative ground handlers are primarily owned by private investors. They have played a significant role by investing in new GSE and introducing performance-based personnel management policies,” he says. “Governments have helped define regulatory frameworks but could do more to support the sector. Import taxes on spare parts are steadily rising, especially in East Africa, which may discourage potential private investors.”
Cisse underscores the importance of such collaborations: “Strong partnerships are critical to the success of Focus Africa and its ability to support the development of a resilient African air transport industry that will foster economic growth, drive skills development and support job creation.”
Cisse further details the role of partnerships and governmental involvement: “Public-private models are proving that, with the right regulatory environment and political support, ground handling capacity in Africa can expand rapidly and sustainably. At the same time, African airports are steadily improving safety and security standards by aligning local regulations with international aviation frameworks.
“This progress is supported through regional collaboration, policy harmonization, and capacity building, often facilitated by organizations such as the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), together with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“Despite ongoing challenges, including fragmented regulatory environments and resource constraints, these coordinated efforts are helping to establish a more unified, resilient, and globally competitive aviation sector across the continent.”
Summing up
While substantial infrastructure investments in countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania demonstrate the continent’s ability to develop its aviation capabilities, the persistence of operational constraints at many airports highlights the uneven nature of this progress.
The sector’s long-term growth depends on addressing fundamental challenges that extend beyond individual airport boundaries. The need for supportive regulatory frameworks, reduced import barriers on essential equipment and spare parts, and sustained investment in basic infrastructure remains critical.
About the Author
Mario Pierobon
Dr. Mario Pierobon provides solutions in the areas of documentation, training and consulting to organizations operating in safety-sensitive industries. He has conducted a doctoral research project investigating aircraft ground handling safety. He may be reached at [email protected].