In recent years, Africa has seen a significant transformation in its air travel connections, and 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for the continent. With numerous international airlines introducing new routes to various African destinations, Africa’s aviation network is more connected than ever before. This shift is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a movement from limited air access to a more accessible and efficient network for both tourists and business travelers alike.
In particular, the growth of these new flight routes reflects the increasing demand for direct air travel to Africa. This surge in connectivity is driven by several factors: tourism in Africa is booming, business partnerships are flourishing, and the African diaspora is seeking easier ways to travel home. Airlines are capitalizing on this demand, with more routes offering direct access to popular African cities and hidden gems alike. These improvements are not only beneficial for travelers but are also expected to positively impact Africa’s local economies, trade, and tourism industries by reducing travel time and costs.
Among the most anticipated new routes to Africa in 2025 is United Airlines’ introduction of direct service between Washington D.C. and Dakar, Senegal. This new route, launching on May 23, 2025, will provide a direct connection from Washington Dulles International Airport to Blaise Diagne International Airport, with flights operating three times a week. This expansion is part of United Airlines’ efforts to strengthen its network in Africa, offering greater accessibility to West Africa.
Delta Air Lines is also making a significant impact with multiple new routes to the continent. Starting December 1, 2025, Delta will offer a new seasonal daily service from Atlanta to Accra, Ghana. The route, which will be operated with a modern Airbus A330-900neo, is designed to offer more seamless connections between the U.S. and West Africa, making travel between these regions much more efficient. Additionally, Delta will further expand its African footprint with a direct flight from Atlanta to Marrakech, Morocco, set to launch on October 25, 2025. This will make Delta one of the few U.S. carriers offering nonstop flights to Morocco, further increasing accessibility to this vibrant North African destination.
Another notable development comes from Delta’s new seasonal service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Lagos, Nigeria. This route will operate daily during the winter season with an Airbus A330-200, supplementing Delta’s existing flights from Atlanta to Lagos, providing travelers with additional options when flying to one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities.
European airlines are also making strides in enhancing African connectivity. Air France is resuming flights to Tanzania after a 28-year break, reintroducing three weekly flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Kilimanjaro International Airport. This route also includes a stopover in Zanzibar, making it easier for tourists and business travelers to explore both Tanzania and the stunning island of Zanzibar.
EasyJet is also entering the African market with its new service from London Gatwick to Sal, Cape Verde. Launched on March 31, 2025, this budget-friendly route operates three times a week, offering travelers a quick six-hour flight to the picturesque island archipelago, which is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Lastly, Discover Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, has begun nonstop flights between Munich and Windhoek, Namibia. This service, which started on April 1, 2025, offers three weekly flights and makes travel to Southern Africa more convenient for both tourists and business travelers. With such a broad range of new flight routes, it is clear that 2025 will be a transformative year for air travel to and within Africa, offering unprecedented access to a continent rich in culture, history, and opportunity.
