The latest World Air Transport Statistics released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted the gap between Africa’s aviation market and the world’s biggest passenger markets, with no African country appearing among the top 10 in 2025.
According to the report, the United States remained the world’s largest passenger market with 890.1 million passengers, followed by China with 776.1 million. The United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, India, Italy, Germany, France and Türkiye completed the top 10 passenger markets.
The report also showed that Africa accounts for about 2.2 per cent of global air traffic, despite the rise in passenger demand recorded across several parts of the continent.
IATA’s data showed that the cost of operating airlines in Africa remains one of the highest in the world. Aviation charges on the continent are about 15 per cent higher than the global average, while airlines also contend with high fuel costs, airport charges and multiple government fees that raise the cost of travel.
Domestic air travel also remains limited in many African countries. Unlike the United States, China and India, where large domestic route networks move hundreds of millions of passengers every year, passenger traffic in Africa is concentrated on a relatively small number of domestic routes.
Regional connectivity remains another challenge. Many African cities are still not linked by direct flights, making travellers connect through Europe or the Middle East before reaching destinations within Africa. Industry data shows that fewer than one in five intra-African routes operates as a direct service.
Airport infrastructure also shapes passenger growth across the continent. While several countries have announced airport expansion projects, many airports still operate with limited capacity, ageing facilities and outdated navigation systems, making it difficult for airlines to add more routes and increase flight frequencies.
The report also noted that tourism and business travel remain important drivers of passenger traffic. Countries with strong visitor arrivals, large business centres and extensive airline networks continue to dominate global passenger rankings because they generate consistent demand throughout the year.
In Africa, aviation also plays an important role in trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Better air links would make it easier for businesses, tourists and investors to move across the continent while supporting regional commerce.
Industry initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) are intended to improve connectivity by opening more routes between African countries. Greater implementation of the agreement could reduce travel time, improve route options and encourage more passenger traffic within the continent.
Although Africa’s share of global passenger traffic remains small, the report indicates that lower operating costs, stronger domestic route networks, better airport infrastructure and wider regional connectivity will play an important role in expanding the continent’s passenger market.
