African Airports Lead the Way in Phasing Out Toxic Firefighting Foams
On August 19, 2025, a groundbreaking initiative was launched in Nairobi,
Kenya, marking a significant step forward for environmental sustainability and
aviation safety across Africa. The Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible
Extinguishment (FIRE) project, spearheaded by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),
brings together five African nations—Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South
Africa—to phase out toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in
firefighting foams at major international airports.
