By the end of 2025, Africa’s air passenger traffic reached 192 million, with projections to exceed 411 million by 2044, according to IATA’s 2026 outlook.
This 4.1% annual growth highlights aviation’s transformation from luxury infrastructure to a foundational system for economic participation.
Tourism and Business Travel Drive Demand
In 2026, African aviation is buoyed by rebounding tourism and thriving business travel. Air cargo continues to underpin key export sectors such as horticulture and textiles, reinforcing strong structural demand across the continent.
Intra-Africa Travel Remains a Bottleneck
Despite growth, travel between African cities is still costly and complex compared to other regions. Regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure gaps, and high costs hinder efficient networks. Aligning aviation with the African Continental Free Trade Area will be critical to enabling seamless movement of people and goods.
Partnerships with Global Airlines Strengthen Ecosystem
International carriers like Air France and KLM remain integral to Africa’s aviation landscape. Durable growth will depend on cooperation—through code-sharing, joint ventures, training partnerships, and maintenance collaboration—that builds local capacity and expands passenger choice.
Financial Sustainability: The Fragile Balancing Act
African airlines face high fuel costs, currency volatility, limited financing, and heavy taxation. While some carriers have restored stability, fragile balance sheets and recurring losses underscore the narrow margin for error. Strengthening financial resilience is essential for long-term growth.
Sustainability as a Strategic Imperative
Africa has the opportunity to lead in sustainable aviation fuel development, leveraging agriculture, waste, and renewable energy. With foresight and investment, the continent can contribute meaningfully to global decarbonization while safeguarding connectivity.
Infrastructure as the Hidden Catalyst
Airports are more than transit points—they are platforms for trade, tourism, and employment. Strategic investments in terminals, cargo facilities, and air traffic management can amplify national economic reach, as Nairobi’s hub evolution demonstrates.
Collective Choices Will Shape the Future
The trajectory of African aviation in 2026 hinges on collective decisions. Governments must balance national interests with regional integration, airlines must invest with patience and partnership, and investors must recognize aviation networks take time to mature.
By Joris Holtus, the General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria and Ghana at Air France – KLM
