Air Travel in Africa Shows Signs of Recovery, Collaboration Key for Growth

The African air travel sector is showing steady recovery, though challenges remain as passenger numbers at some airports still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Recent discussions at the 56th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) emphasized collaboration and innovation as vital for driving the industry forward.

In South Africa, reports indicate that airport passenger traffic has not yet returned to pre-2020 levels, reflecting the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite improvements, recovery remains uneven across regions, with infrastructure constraints and operational inefficiencies slowing progress.

At the AFRAA AGA held in Nairobi, industry leaders stressed the importance of cooperative strategies to boost air travel in Africa. Collaborative efforts between airlines, governments, and private investors are considered essential to address the continent’s aviation challenges, including high operating costs, limited intra-African connectivity, and regulatory hurdles.

AFRAA Secretary General Abdérahmane Berthé highlighted the need for innovation, especially in leveraging digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. He also underscored the importance of implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship African Union initiative designed to foster market liberalization and improve connectivity across the continent.

Meanwhile, reports show that Africa is witnessing a surge in international air travel demand. According to industry analysts, travel between Africa and other regions, particularly Europe and the Middle East, has seen strong growth due to increased tourism and business travel. However, intra-African travel still faces significant barriers, limiting the potential for economic integration.

Industry stakeholders are calling for greater investments in airport infrastructure, modernization of fleets, and streamlined visa policies to enhance accessibility. Governments are also being urged to provide policy support to reduce the cost of operations, which remains one of the highest in the world.

As Africa’s aviation sector aims for full recovery, experts believe that fostering partnerships, adopting advanced technologies, and implementing regulatory reforms will be crucial in unlocking the potential of air travel across the continent.