CANSO Africa Conference 2026

Following the decision to postpone Airspace Africa and Middle East and the CANSO Africa and Middle East Summit to 2027, CANSO is now preparing to welcome its Africa Members and others back to Nairobi, Kenya, for the CANSO Africa Conference 2026. Our conference will take place on 13-15 October.
INTRODUCTION
The theme for the CANSO Africa Conference 2026 is “Practical Implementation Pathways – ATM Transformation and the ANSP Changing Landscape”
The ability of the global aviation system to continue supporting sustainable and inclusive growth will increasingly depend on modern, resilient, interoperable, and digitally enabled airspace and air traffic management (ATM) systems.
Future aviation growth, resilience, and sustainability cannot be achieved without significant transformation of ATM and airspace infrastructure. Airspace systems form the operational backbone of international aviation by enabling safe operations, network connectivity, capacity creation, operational resilience, environmental optimisation, and the integration of new operational models and emerging users. As Africa embarks on the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) this has never been so critical.
Making necessary choices, prioritising and sequencing the investments based on clear outcomes becomes our biggest objective. For example, how do we find the baseline and allow for minimum but critical capabilities that allow us to provide the most appropriate service to all airspace users? How do we scale up?
Through expert-led sessions, interactive dialogue, and collaborative workshops, participants will:
- Unpack the priorities.
- Discuss possible pathways towards achieving the minimum capabilities.
- Discover the role of various stakeholders as we scale up and transform ATM together.
The CANSO Africa Conference 2026 is a unique opportunity to connect vision with implementation, and strategy with collaboration—ensuring that Africa’s skies evolve in step with global innovation, while reflecting the region’s ambitions, realities and opportunities.




Venue and travel
The CANSO Africa Conference 2026 will be held at the:
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
JWW4 R5W Mombasa Road,
Near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,
Nairobi,
Kenya
Hotel room booking and airport transfers
To book a room with breakfast at the Argyle, for USD 150 per night, please email both sales2@argylehotelkenya.ke and reservations@argylehotelkenya.ke with your details and dates. Mention the CANSO Africa Conference 2026.
Rooms are cancellable free of charge up to two weeks before your check in date. After that, one night will be charged.
A complimentary shuttle is available from the airport to and from the Argyle. Private transfers, at your own expense, are also available. To book either option, please send your full flight details to the hotel when you make your booking, or later, using the same email thread as your room booking.
Practical Information
Practical Information
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant and fast-growing city known as the economic and political heart of East Africa. Founded in 1899 as a railway depot on the Uganda Railway, it has since evolved into a bustling metropolis with a population of over four million people.
Nairobi is unique in being one of the few cities in the world with a national park — Nairobi National Park — located just a short drive from the city centre, where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam freely.
Conference venue
The CANSO Africa Conference 2026 will be held at the:
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
JWW4 R5W Mombasa Road,
Near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,
Nairobi,
Kenya
Airport Transfers
The following information applies only to those who are staying at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
A complimentary shuttle is available from the airport to and from the Argyle. Private transfers, at your own expense, are also available. To book either option, please send your full flight details to the hotel when you make your booking, or later, using the same email thread as your room booking.
Alternative accommodation
For those not wishing to stay at the main conference hotel, these options are available.
Kindly note that if you choose to stay in one of these hotels you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport, and to the conference itself. Click each hotel’s link for more information and booking instructions.
7.7 km from Argyle Hotel
8.3 km from Argyle Hotel
5.6 km from Argyle Hotel
Taxis and public transport
Taxis are available from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
(JKIA) to the city centre and the fare normally is between 2500 KES to 3000 KES (Kenyan Shillings) which are subject to change. However, it is advisable to agree on the fare before getting into the vehicle. Enquiries may be made at the airport information desks/counters upon arrival.
Transport is also available on ride share apps like Uber and Bolt. They are reliable and easy to use, but it is advisable to confirm the charging mechanism including toll fees, where applicable, upfront.
Registration
You can register and collect your CANSO Africa Conference 2026 badge on the following days.
It is strongly recommended to collect your conference badge on Tuesday to facilitate efficient registration process.
Tuesday 13 October
Wednesday 14 October
Thursday 15 October
Social Events
Welcome Drinks to be confirmed:
Tuesday 13 October – early evening
Venue: Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Dress code: Casual (though shorts not advised)
Cocktail Dinner to be confirmed
Wednesday 14 October – evening
Venue: Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
VISA Information
We recommend you start your visa application as soon as possible with the correct information, to avoid system errors and to facilitate your arrival in Kenya.
This is especially important as no visas are issued on arrival in Kenya.
For full details of Kenya’s Visa entry requirements, see the government’s official Visa information page here.
Participants should note that Kenya operates an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
To apply for this, participants should login to the official Government of Kenya eTA portal
When filling out the registration form, please indicate if you need a visa invitation letter from CANSO by ticking the ‘yes’ box.
If your visa application also requires a letter from a local organisation, please email Events@CANSO.org specifying your request for an invitation letter and the following information:
- Title:
- Full Name: Job title:
- Organisation:
- Passport Number:
- Date of Issue:
- Date of Expiry:
- Passport Issuing Authority:
Time Zone
The time zone in Nairobi is UTC 3.
Language
While it is home to some 40 languages, the two most commonly spoken are English and Swahili. The CANSO Africa Conference 2026 will be conducted in English.
Weather
In October the weather in Nairobi is generally warm during the day with cooler evenings, and some chance of rain as the rainy season approaches,
Temperatures can reach 27 degrees celsius during the day and 13-16 degrees in the evening.
Currency
The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the currency used in Kenya. Banknotes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 KES.
Other currencies can be changed for the KES at Foreign Exchange Bureau found in the airport, in malls and in the city centre.
Currently one USD is approximately 129 KES and one EUR is approximately 147 KES.
Bank/Credit Card
Most international credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express can be used at various outlets including ATMsin Kenya.
ATM are available in shopping centres near the conference and other recommended hotels.
Standard & Chartered bank, Stanbic bank, Bank of Africa and ABSA Bank have ATMs which accept Visa.
Tipping
Tipping in Nairobi is not mandatory, but it is appreciated and increasingly common in certain settings.
Restaurants & Cafés
Standard tip: 5–10 per cent of the bill if a service charge isn’t included.
If a service charge is already added (sometimes 10 per cent), tipping extra is optional.
At casual or fast food restaurants, tipping is not expected.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the fare or giving a small tip (e.g. 50–100 KES) for good service is welcomed.
Hotel Staff
Porters: 100–200 KES per bag.
Housekeeping: 200–500 KES per stay or per day if you prefer.
Concierge: Tip based on service quality (e.g. arranging transport or tours).
Electricity
In Nairobi, you can expect plug type G (same as UK – three rectangular prongs). Delegates are encouraged to carry a travel adapter if needed.
Nairobi operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the conference venue will be available for guests attending the CANSO Africa Conference 2026.
Health information
Full travel insurance is recommended for travelling to Nairobi.
Before you travel, you should also check with your doctor or local travel health clinic to see if you need any vaccinations or other treatment.
It is recommended to bring insect repellent.
It is strongly recommended for participants to have travel insurance (including health) for the duration of their stay in Kenya. Participants should particularly ensure that their insurance is applicable in Kenya.
Emergency contacts
General emergency line: 112
Police: 999, 112, or 911
Ambulance 1199
Fire Brigade: 999
International dialling code
The Kenyan international dialling code is 254
Registration
CANSO members are warmly invited to register for our conference, as soon as possible, using the form below.
Colleagues who work for the following Full Africa Member organisations can attend for free:
- Aeroportos de Moçambique E.P.
- ASA
- ASECNA
- ATNS
- ENNA-EP
- Eswatini CAA
- Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
- Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
- NAMA
- Roberts F.I.R.
- Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority
- Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA)
- Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Colleagues who work for other Full Members can attend for a fee of EUR 650 excluding all relevant taxes.
Colleagues who work for CANSO Associate Gold Members can attend for a fee of EUR 650 excluding all relevant taxes.
Colleagues who work for CANSO Academia and Research Members can attend for a fee of EUR 650 excluding all relevant taxes.
Colleagues who work for CANSO Intermediate Members can attend for a fee of EUR 650 excluding all relevant taxes.
Colleagues who work for CANSO Associate Silver Members can attend for a fee of EUR 830 excluding all relevant taxes.
To check your Member status please see your company’s entry on our Member Directory.



