African Air Traffic Grows Despite Infrastructure Hurdles
African air traffic is on an upward trajectory, yet growth opportunities remain limited by significant infrastructure challenges, according to Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of ACI Africa. Speaking during an African Airlines Association webinar, Tounsi highlighted that the aviation sector’s success hinges on enhanced government involvement, regional cooperation, and strategic investments in airport infrastructure.
In 2024, African air passenger numbers reached 240 million, marking an 11% year-on-year increase. This growth has been fueled by a resurgence in tourism across key markets such as Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa. Additionally, the expansion of airlines like FlySafair and Airlink, coupled with increased trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has contributed to the rising air traffic.
Despite the overall positive trend, Tounsi pointed out that the recovery is not uniform across the continent. Central Africa, for instance, is experiencing slower growth due to inadequate infrastructure and high operating costs. Furthermore, political instability continues to impact parts of Northern Africa, creating additional barriers to consistent growth in the region.
A major concern highlighted by Tounsi is the financial viability of many African airports. Low traffic volumes render numerous airports financially unsustainable, emphasizing the need for government intervention to create investment opportunities. “It is up to the government to create attraction to the destination, to build tourism infrastructure and to encourage investment. And with that you can create traffic,” Tounsi stated. This underscores the critical role of governmental policies in fostering a conducive environment for aviation growth.
Tounsi also emphasized the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in addressing infrastructure deficits. These partnerships can bring not only much-needed funding but also expertise and operational efficiencies to the airport sector. PPPs are particularly vital for smaller airports that struggle to attract private investment due to their limited traffic and financial inefficiency. By leveraging private sector capabilities, these partnerships can enhance airport operations and improve service quality, thereby increasing passenger traffic and revenue.
Despite the challenges, the African aviation industry holds substantial growth prospects. Major hubs in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco are enhancing regional and international connectivity, positioning these countries as pivotal players in the continent’s aviation landscape. Additionally, the development of low-cost carriers (LCCs), which remain underdeveloped in Africa, presents significant opportunities to boost domestic and regional air traffic. LCCs can make air travel more accessible to a broader population, thereby increasing overall passenger numbers and stimulating economic growth.
Tounsi noted that the rise in air traffic is closely linked to the broader economic and social developments within the continent. As African economies continue to grow and urbanize, the demand for air travel is expected to rise correspondingly. This trend is supported by increasing disposable incomes, expanding middle classes, and a growing appetite for both business and leisure travel.
However, to sustain and accelerate this growth, addressing the existing infrastructure gaps is imperative. Strategic investments in airport facilities, modernization of air traffic management systems, and expansion of airport capacity are essential steps to support the increasing demand. Moreover, fostering regional cooperation can lead to more streamlined operations and better connectivity, further enhancing the efficiency and attractiveness of African air travel.
While African air traffic is experiencing robust growth, the sector faces ongoing challenges related to infrastructure and regional disparities. Addressing these issues through government action, strategic investments, and public-private partnerships will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of Africa’s aviation industry. With the right support and initiatives, the continent can overcome these obstacles and achieve sustained growth in air traffic, driving economic development and enhancing connectivity across Africa and beyond.
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