The aviation industry has undergone significant changes over the past five years, especially as it continues to rebound from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Africa, a continent of over 1.4 billion people, the resurgence of direct flight connections to the United States reflects broader trends in travel demand, airline strategies, and economic linkages. Comparing November 2024 to the pre-pandemic November 2019, the number of flights between Africa and the US has grown remarkably, highlighting shifts in how airlines are bridging these two regions.
The Growth of Africa-US Flights
According to data from Cirium, direct flights between Africa and the US have increased by 33%, rising from 640 flights in November 2019 to 852 flights in November 2024. This surge is largely driven by the growing presence of US-based carriers, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as the resilience and expansion of key African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.
In November 2019, seven airlines operated flights between Africa and the US. These included two US-based carriers—Delta Air Lines and United Airlines—and five African airlines: Royal Air Maroc, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways. However, by November 2024, changes in market dynamics and airline strategies have shifted this roster. Notably, Cabo Verde Airlines and South African Airways no longer offer scheduled flights to the US, while Ethiopian Airlines and United Airlines have significantly increased their offerings.
US Airlines Leading the Charge
Delta Air Lines has been at the forefront of the resurgence, with its monthly flights to Africa increasing by 45%—from 160 in 2019 to 232 in 2024. Delta now serves destinations such as South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco, cementing its position as the US airline with the most flights and seats between the two regions. United Airlines, which had no Africa flights in 2019, has made a substantial entry, offering 224 flights in November 2024 to similar destinations.
African Airlines Expanding Horizons
Ethiopian Airlines has emerged as a standout performer among African carriers. Despite facing challenges such as a civil war, it has increased its flights to the US by 65%, rising from 91 flights in November 2019 to 150 in 2024. Operating from its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines has become a key player in connecting sub-Saharan Africa to the world. Similarly, Kenya Airways has increased its flights to the US by 36%, leveraging its hub in Nairobi.
On the other hand, airlines like Royal Air Maroc and EgyptAir have seen slight declines in flight and seat capacities, while South African Airways’ absence reflects its ongoing restructuring efforts.
Future Potential
Despite the growth, direct connections between the US and Africa remain limited to a handful of countries. This underscores the untapped potential for expanding air travel to other African nations. Africa’s vast cultural, economic, and natural diversity offers immense opportunities for tourism and business, yet the aviation market is still concentrated around a few major players and routes.
The recovery and growth of Africa-US airline connections over the past five years highlight a dynamic aviation landscape. With increased participation from both US-based and African airlines, the future looks promising for deeper connections between these two regions. However, unlocking Africa’s full potential will require further investment in aviation infrastructure and strategies to open up more destinations across the continent.
