Airlines across the continent encompass a spectrum, from established legacy carriers with global reach to agile regional operators catering to specific markets.
Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Royal Air Maroc rank among the continent’s prominent airlines.
According to data from Planespotters, Nigeria leads the continent with the highest number of airlines, boasting 87 carriers. Close behind are South Africa with 70 airlines and Kenya with 64.
Despite the vast potential of the African aviation market, airlines grapple with various challenges such as infrastructure limitations, regulatory intricacies, and intense competition.
Nevertheless, within these challenges lie opportunities for innovation and expansion, driven by economic growth, urbanization trends, and escalating demand for air travel.
Boeing projects a significant surge in intra-African passenger traffic over the next two decades, with numbers expected to increase more than fourfold. This growth trajectory positions Africa’s aviation sector among the fastest-growing globally.
To accommodate this expansion, there is a need for more airlines across the continent, albeit the number of airlines varies from one country to another in Africa.
Rank Country Airlines
1 Nigeria 87
2 South Africa 70
3 Kenya 64
4 Egypt 51
5 Congo, DR 43
6 Ghana 23
7 Angola 18
8 Tanzania 18
9 Sudan 17
10 Gabon 17
