Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) have won three awards at the 2026 Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Passenger Facilitation and Readiness Excellence Awards in Abuja, Nigeria.
JNIA secured two runner-up positions in the Governance and Innovation & Transformation categories, while KIA emerged the winner in the Stakeholder Engagement category.
The awards recognise airports for efforts to improve passenger services, operational readiness, innovation and engagement with stakeholders.
JNIA was named runner-up in the Governance category for Passenger Facilitation and Readiness Excellence, as well as runner-up in the Innovation & Transformation category among airports handling between two million and five million passengers annually.
KIA, meanwhile, took first place in the Stakeholder Engagement category among airports handling fewer than two million passengers a year.
The awards were received by Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director of Business and Development, Mr Mzee Kilele, on behalf of TAA Director General Abdul Mombokaleo.
The ceremony was held during the 35th ACI Africa General Assembly, which is taking place in Abuja from September 19 to 25 under the theme: “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.”
The meeting is bringing together aviation industry stakeholders to discuss ways of improving airport performance, adopting new technologies and strengthening the resilience of airports across Africa.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Mr Kilele said the recognition reflected efforts by TAA and its partners to improve services and strengthen the operations of Tanzania’s airports.
“These awards are the result of the great work being done by TAA in collaboration with stakeholders,” he said.
Mr Kilele said the recognition would encourage the authority to step up innovation and improve its engagement with stakeholders.
“We recognise that the growth of airports goes hand in hand with quality services, innovation and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders,” he said.
He said TAA would continue pursuing commercial and technological opportunities in the aviation sector to enhance the competitiveness of Tanzania’s airports.
“We will continue to work hard, increase innovation and ensure that we deliver tangible results,” Mr Kilele said.
The awards come as Tanzania continues to invest in airport infrastructure and services, with the aviation sector playing an important role in supporting tourism, trade and passenger movement.
The recognition of JNIA and KIA also places Tanzania among African countries seeking to modernise airport operations through improved passenger services, technology and stronger engagement with airlines and other aviation stakeholders.