In 2025, Africa is experiencing a surge in international flight connections, making travel to the continent easier and more accessible than ever before. Several major airlines are launching new routes, expanding their presence in Africa and signaling growing confidence in the region’s potential for tourism, business, and investment. The rise in connectivity is expected to have a positive impact on local economies, reduce travel costs, and enhance Africa’s position in global travel networks.
One of the most notable new routes is United Airlines’ direct service from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar, Senegal. Starting on May 23, 2025, this new route will operate three times a week, marking a significant expansion of United’s African network. The airline will use a Boeing 767-300ER for the route, offering a more convenient connection between the United States and West Africa.
Delta Airlines is also making strides in expanding its African routes. The airline will introduce a new seasonal daily route from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana. Starting December 1, 2025, the route will be operated with an Airbus A330-900neo, a modern aircraft designed for comfort. Delta’s expansion to Ghana follows a growing demand for direct air connections between the U.S. and West Africa.
In addition to its new Ghana service, Delta will also be launching flights to Morocco in October 2025. The new nonstop route from Atlanta to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) will be a welcome addition for travelers seeking to visit Morocco’s famous “Red City.” This route will make Delta one of only two U.S. carriers serving Morocco, further enhancing its footprint in Africa.
Delta has also introduced a seasonal daily service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos, Nigeria. This new route will operate during the winter season using an Airbus A330-200, complementing Delta’s existing flights from Atlanta and providing more options for passengers traveling to Nigeria.
Air France is returning to Tanzania after a 28-year hiatus, with a new route connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) with a stopover in Zanzibar. This route, which operates three times a week, enhances the connection between Europe and East Africa, making it easier for travelers to explore one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
On the budget airline front, EasyJet has launched its first-ever sub-Saharan Africa service with a new route from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Sal, Cape Verde. The thrice-weekly service, which began on March 31, 2025, offers an affordable and convenient option for travelers seeking to visit the Cape Verde Islands. The flights are operated with an Airbus A320neo, making the tropical islands more accessible to travelers from the UK.
Discover Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, has introduced a new nonstop service connecting Munich International Airport (MUC) with Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Namibia. The route began on April 1, 2025, operating three times a week, and is designed to provide a smooth link to Southern Africa. Starting in May 2025, the schedule will adjust to flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, further facilitating travel to Namibia.
These new international routes represent a significant step forward in improving air connectivity to Africa, making the continent more accessible to both tourists and business travelers. With more airlines recognizing the potential of the African market, the future of air travel to Africa looks bright, offering more opportunities for growth, trade, and tourism.
