Strong growth seen in air travel to, from Africa

It is no secret that African aviation has seen significant development over the last 10+ years, with steady growth in international travel and intra-Africa connectivity. Several factors have contributed to the rapid growth of air travel to and from the continent, including more robust government support, increased investment, and rising demand per this report by Simple Flying.

According to Simple Flying, while many barriers and challenges still exist, African aviation is expected to continue growing and increasing in importance on a global scale. According to a report by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, seats scheduled from Africa to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East will see double-digit growth over the next 12 months. Furthermore, airports like Cairo International Airport have been key to increasing connectivity in the region.

A decade of growth in Africa

The African aviation sector experienced steady growth in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2014 and 2019, total air passenger figures grew by 29% (32 million), while total capacity grew by 22% (40 million). After the pandemic, total passenger traffic recovered in 2023 when it reached 161 million, an 11.8% increase from 2019 and a remarkable 228.6% increase from 2020.

According to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), African carriers are expected to carry 98 million passengers in 2024. Meanwhile, Cirium data suggests that the number of seats scheduled to and from Africa will increase by 29% from Asia, 12% from the Middle East, 11% from Europe, and 6% from North America over the next 12 months.

This upward trajectory is represented by the growth of many African airlines and airports. Ethiopian Airlines has been the best example, significantly growing its fleet and passenger operations to and from its hub at Addis Ababa International Airport. It is currently Africa’s largest airline, with a fleet of over 130 aircraft and a network comprising more than 140 destinations.

Many African cities have also seen impressive post-pandemic growth. While “leisure type” markets like Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada in Egypt have seen rapid growth, many of the fastest growing markets remain large, primary, or capital cities like Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Abuja.

African airports vs Other global airports

Cirium revealed that Cairo International Airport is Africa’s busiest airport regarding Origin & Destination (O&D) traffic, with nearly 22.8 million passengers for the year ending in May 2024. The airport continues to expand its reach, enhancing connectivity and supporting the region’s growth by leveraging its strategic geographical location.

Johannesburg OR Tambo is the second-busiest airport, with just under 15 million O&D passengers in the year ending May 2024. The airport welcomes several international airlines and serves as a key hub for connections within Southern Africa. The top 10 busiest African airports by O&D passengers are as follows:

The airports are also well-connected globally and compete with other global airports in terms of destinations served. The top three most connected airports in Africa – Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Casablanca, all come ahead of Sydney, with over 100 destinations served.

As demand for air travel to Africa increases, coupled with the availability of new aircraft technology, African airlines and carriers from other regions will fly from new gateways. Cirium predicts that in the near term, there will be more African airports connected to 100+ destinations.

The future of African aviation

Several factors can be attributed to the growth seen in Africa. One key factor is the strategic efforts by African governments to integrate air transport into their economic development plans. Many African countries are among the fastest growing in the world, which has led to an increase in disposable income and a growing middle class. The promotion of tourism has also attracted more travelers from various parts of the world.

However, several challenges still exist , including insufficient infrastructure, high fuel prices, excessive taxes and charges, restrictive visa regimes, and a lack of sufficient aviation financing institutions. Despite this, the sector will continue to grow, with Africa’s commercial fleet expected to more than double by 2043.

Air travel between Africa and Europe is also evolving rapidly. The market hosts a diverse range of passengers and airlines and is significantly changing because of increased partnerships, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer preferences. Many Africa-Europe routes see multiple flights per day with an increase in low-cost carriers in the market.