Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Kyamu, said that African airlines lose more than $2.5 billion annually to foreign maintenance providers, a massive capital flight that weakens the continent's economic and industrial potential.

African Airlines losses

Speaking at the Ethiopian Aviation Forum 2026 in Addis Ababa, Kiamo said that African countries must urgently develop local maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, warning that continued reliance on foreign facilities is neither sustainable nor strategic for the continent.

The $2.5 billion loss represents about 50 percent of Africa's heavy maintenance needs, according to the Guardian Nigeria.

The forum, which brought together aviation regulators, airline executives, investors, and industry leaders from across the continent, highlighted the strategic importance of developing local maintenance capability.

The Nigerian minister pointed out that despite the increasing passenger traffic and the expanding fleet, Africa still relies heavily on Europe, the Middle East and Asia for the maintenance of heavy aircraft.

The lack of suitable, high-capacity facilities forces African airlines to bear exorbitant costs, longer aircraft downtime, and logistical complications associated with moving aircraft abroad.

The Association of African Airlines begins operating flights in West and Central Africa.

Earlier, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) announced the full commencement of free airspace flights in the West and Central Africa (WACAF) region.

Free airspace (FRA) is a defined airspace that enables airlines to freely plan their flight paths between entry and exit points, bypassing traditional fixed air routes and heading towards more direct and efficient user-preferred routes (UPRs), saving time and fuel, and reducing emissions.

User Preferred Routes (UPRs) allow airlines to fly the most fuel-efficient and timely routes based on current conditions, rather than having to follow fixed and traditional routes, giving pilots more flexibility and enabling them to adapt to factors such as weather and wind.