Africa’s aviation industry is poised for strong growth, with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) projecting passenger numbers to rise to 113 million in 2025, a 15.3% increase from 2024.
- •This surge is fueled by improved connectivity, expanded routes, and increasing travel demand.
- •Despite a 3% decline in overall seat capacity in June 2025, intra-African routes saw a slight 0.1% increase, reflecting efforts to enhance regional connectivity through new routes and larger aircraft.
- •Passenger revenues witnessed strong growth in April 2025, recording a substantial 19% increase compared to April 2024.
“African airlines are increasingly making their mark on the global aviation stage. As of April 2025, these carriers collectively held a 52.4% share of international capacity, encompassing both regional and intercontinental operations, with non-African carriers holding the remaining 47.6%,” notes Afraa in the African airlines’ performance updates
“While non-African operators still command a larger share of intercontinental services at 63.7%, African carriers are steadily growing their presence with a 36.3% capacity share, Similarly, in terms of actual traffic, African carriers accounted for 49.0% of total international traffic (regional and intercontinental) in April 2025,” the association added.
A snapshot of June 2025 reveals the continent’s busiest air hubs by seat capacity. Cairo International Airport solidified its position as the dominant force, accounting for a significant 22.6% of total capacity. Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport followed with 14.8%, closely trailed by Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at 14.7%.
Rounding out the top ten were Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca (8.9%), Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers (7.4%), Cape Town International Airport (7.0%), Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (6.7%), Marrakesh Menara Airport (6.6%), Tunis–Carthage International Airport (5.8%), and Hurghada International Airport (5.3%).
Regionally, North Africa maintained its lead in seat capacity distribution, commanding 40.7% of the total. Eastern Africa followed with 23.0%, while Southern Africa and Central and Western Africa represented 18.9% and 17.4% respectively.
