Africa’s aviation sector is experiencing a major upswing, with passenger traffic projected to reach 113 million in 2025, reflecting a 15.3% increase over the previous year, according to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
According to kenyanwallstreet.com, as air travel demand surges across the continent, Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has emerged as one of Africa’s top ten busiest hubs, signaling a new era of regional connectivity and growth.
• 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.
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“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.
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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.
