JNIA, KIA earn prestigious awards from ACI Africa, heighten Tanzania’s profile in aviation industry

ABUJA: JULIUS Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) have earned three prestigious awards from Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), raising the country’s profile in the African aviation sector.

JNIA won two awards, including second place in the Governance Category of the Passenger Facilitation and Readiness Excellence Awards 2026.

The airport also emerged as runner-up in the Innovation & Transformation Category for airports handling between two million and five million passengers annually.

Meanwhile, KIA was named the overall winner in the Stakeholder Engagement Category of the Passenger Facilitation and Readiness Excellence Awards 2026 for airports handling fewer than two million passengers per year.

The awards were received by Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director of Business and Development, Mzee Kilele, on behalf of TAA Director General Abdul Mombokaleo, during the 35th ACI Africa General Assembly being held in Abuja.

The meeting began on September 19 and is scheduled to conclude on September 25, 2026, under the theme, “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.” The theme focuses on strengthening airport performance, innovation, technology adoption and resilience across Africa’s aviation sector.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Mzee Kilele said the recognition reflects TAA’s efforts to improve services, strengthen stakeholder collaboration and create a conducive environment for business and operational growth at the country’s airports.

“These awards are the result of the significant work being carried out by TAA in collaboration with stakeholders. We recognise that airport growth goes hand in hand with service quality, innovation and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. This recognition gives us greater impetus to work harder, enhance innovation and ensure visible results,” Kilele said.

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He added that TAA would continue to leverage various business opportunities and innovation in the aviation sector to enhance the competitiveness of Tanzania’s airports and transform them into hubs that meet the needs of passengers, airlines and other aviation stakeholders.

The achievements by JNIA and KIA further enhance Tanzania’s visibility in the African aviation sector as the government continues efforts to improve airport infrastructure, services and the business environment across the country.