The International Airline Operators Committee has elected a new executive to manage the affairs of the body, following an election held on November 20, 2025, during its monthly meeting.
After deliberations and nominations, Air France/KLM emerged as chairman, with its representative, Mr Damilola Ogunseye, elected to lead the committee. Asky Airline’s representative, Mr Alaba Awe, was elected First Vice Chairman, while Qatar Airways’ representative, Mrs Mariam Magembe, emerged as Second Vice Chairman. Uganda Airlines’ representative, Mrs Joy Olotu, was elected Secretary/Treasurer.
The election marked the end of the tenure of the immediate past Chairman, Mr Kingsley Chima, whose tenure expired on December 31, 2025.
Ogunseye formally assumed duty as Chairman of the Foreign Airline Operators Committee on January 2, 2026, having been elected in November. He is expected to serve as the interface between foreign airlines operating in Nigeria and government agencies, regulators and other stakeholders across the aviation industry.
Under its mandate, the International Airline Operators Committee provides a platform for dialogue and coordination among international carriers, with responsibility for addressing day-to-day operational issues affecting airport activities. These include passenger, baggage, cargo and aircraft handling; conditions of runways, taxiways and aprons; air traffic and ground circulation; and access to airport facilities.
The committee also engages airport authorities and regulators on infrastructure development, local regulations, airport charges and the implementation of international aviation standards, while making recommendations for corrective actions where substandard performance is identified.
According to the committee’s constitution, the tenure of elected officers is two years, running from January to December for each year, and officers may be reappointed but not for more than two consecutive terms. It also provides that where a vacancy occurs among the officers, the position shall be filled by the Executive Committee for the unexpired portion of the term.
With the inauguration of the new executive, the committee is expected to continue its role of liaising with aviation authorities and industry stakeholders on operational, safety and infrastructure issues affecting foreign airlines operating in the country.
