African airlines are poised to surpass 100 million passengers in 2025, driven by robust expansions in routes and frequencies across the continent. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) forecasts a significant rise to 98 million passengers by the end of 2024, marking a 15% increase from 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
Despite ongoing challenges post-pandemic, the airline sector has shown strong recovery momentum with increased demand for air travel. This resurgence is enhancing Intra-Africa connectivity, notably from major hubs like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Abidjan, and Lome. Ethiopian Airlines leads this push with plans for a 30% growth in passenger numbers by mid-2024, bolstered by new routes to destinations such as Maun in Botswana and Freetown via Ouagadougou.
Kenya Airways and Royal Air Maroc are also expanding their networks within Africa, responding to rising travel demands between East and Southern Africa and strengthening continental positioning respectively. Industry reports, including data from CAPA and forecasts by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscore a positive outlook for African aviation despite operational challenges, projecting continued growth in passenger numbers and revenue into 2024.
