Africa’s Aviation Sector on the Rise: Passenger and Cargo Growth Drive Economic Strength

African Aviation

Africa’s aviation sector is experiencing a strong upswing. Driven by rising demand, targeted investments in modern infrastructure, and political initiatives to liberalise markets, the sector is strengthening its role as a key engine of economic development, regional integration and international connectivity across the continent.

Positive Growth in African Air Traffic

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African airlines recorded a demand increase of 7.2 percent in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, while capacity grew by 6.4 percent. The region also achieved its highest passenger load factor (PLF) since records began. Growth continued in November 2025, with demand rising by 11.2 percent and capacity by 8.5 percent. Air traffic in Africa is expected to grow by around 6 percent in 2026, outperforming the global average of 4.9 percent.

A key political framework supporting this development is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This African Union initiative aims to create a unified and liberalised air transport market to foster economic integration across Africa.

“For African aviation to unlock its full economic potential, the continent must rapidly implement its own open-skies policy. Only a functional and liberalised air transport market can create the conditions for increased competition, lower costs, greater connectivity and sustainable growth,” says Hanna Kleber, Chair of Voice4Africa.

Major Infrastructure Projects Set New Benchmarks: Ethiopia Launches Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport

A visible sign of this aviation upswing is the launch of one of the continent’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects. In Ethiopia, construction of the Bishoftu International Airport has begun under the leadership of Ethiopian Airlines. Located around 40 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, the new airport is designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, making it Africa’s largest aviation hub.

With an investment volume of approximately USD 12.5 billion, the project is supported by international financial institutions and the African Development Bank. It forms part of a long-term multi-airport strategy aimed at safeguarding the future growth of Ethiopian aviation.

Luanda Emerges as an International Hub in Southwestern Africa

Angola is also making targeted investments in its international connectivity. With the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, the country now operates a modern, high-capacity aviation hub that significantly enhances global access to the capital, Luanda. The airport is designed for an annual capacity of up to 15 million passengers and ranks among the most modern airport infrastructures on the continent.

Following its phased commissioning and the full transfer of international flight operations by TAAG Angola Airlines in October 2025, the new airport has established itself as a central aviation hub. Direct connections from Europe include Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal and Air France, complemented by international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, which have integrated Luanda into their global route networks.

“The liberalisation of air transport and visa facilitation are key pillars of our tourism strategy,” explains Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel. “With the new international airport, we are creating the conditions to make Angola more accessible for travellers, investors and airline partners, and to sustainably integrate the country into global transport and tourism flows.”

African Aviation: Africa’s Air Cargo Sector Reaches Record Levels

Alongside passenger traffic, Africa’s air cargo sector is also gaining increasing importance. In November 2025, African airlines led global growth in the air cargo segment. According to IATA, demand increased by 15.6 percent year-on-year, while cargo capacity expanded by 18.1 percent—both the highest growth rates worldwide. By comparison, global air cargo demand grew by 5.5 percent over the same period.

This strong year-end performance signals positive momentum for African aviation and underlines Africa’s growing role as a logistics bridge between global markets, both in passenger transport and air freight.