Keypoints:
- Ethiopian leads with 19.1m passengers
- North African carriers strengthen positions
- Nigeria’s Air Peace rises in continental rankings
AFRICA’ commercial aviation sector is entering a new period of expansion, with Ethiopian Airlines maintaining its status as the continent’s most travelled carrier. According to passenger data shared by Africa Facts Zone, the airline transported 19.1 million passengers in the most recent annual cycle, placing it far ahead of its competitors and reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s fastest-growing carriers.
The updated ranking sheds new light on how African airlines are adapting to post-pandemic recovery, shifting travel patterns, and rising demand for intra-African connectivity. While Ethiopian continues to dominate, recent passenger totals show notable performances from major carriers across North, West, and Southern Africa.
North African airlines climb steadily
EgyptAir claimed the second position with 10.3 million passengers, reflecting the airline’s expanded route network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. National carriers in North Africa have benefited from accelerating tourism demand and ongoing government investment in aviation modernisation.
Air Algerie, which carried 7.9 million passengers, ranked third. Its stable numbers highlight Algeria’s robust domestic market and the airline’s growing importance in linking the Maghreb to Europe. Closely behind is Royal Air Maroc, the Moroccan national airline, at 7.5 million passengers. Morocco’s emergence as a key transit hub for West Africans travelling to Europe and North America continues to support its passenger growth.
Southern Africa makes a strong showing
South Africa’s FlySafair emerged as the fifth-largest carrier, handling six million passengers. The low-cost airline has expanded its regional footprint in recent years, attracting travellers seeking affordable fares and reliable flight schedules. FlySafair’s rise underscores the growing competitiveness of private airlines in Southern Africa’s evolving aviation landscape.
East and West Africa register solid performance
Kenya Airways posted 5.2 million passengers, securing sixth place. The airline’s performance reflects Nairobi’s continued relevance as a regional transport hub and the expansion of business travel networks in East Africa.
Nigeria’s Air Peace, which carried three million passengers, rounded off the top seven. Its presence among Africa’s highest-performing carriers signals the increasing influence of privately owned airlines in West Africa. Air Peace has expanded aggressively, launching new domestic and international routes while positioning itself as a major player in Nigeria’s busy aviation market.
A reshaping market
The ranking from Africa Facts Zone comes at a time when African governments and regional blocs are pushing to liberalise air travel through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Aviation analysts argue that deeper liberalisation could unlock significant economic benefits, reduce ticket prices, and improve route access, particularly for landlocked states.
Ethiopian Airlines’ commanding lead has been attributed to its hub-and-spoke model, consistent fleet renewal, and strategic partnerships across the continent. Its passenger tally is almost double that of EgyptAir, underscoring the dominance of its Addis Ababa hub in connecting Africa to Europe, the Gulf, Asia, and the Americas.
Outlook
Analysts expect the continent’s aviation industry to continue expanding as economic recovery strengthens and travel demand rises. With Africa’s tourism sector growing and regional trade agreements gaining traction, airlines are positioning themselves to capture new demand across both premium and low-cost segments.
The latest ranking highlights the enduring strength of established national carriers, alongside the momentum driving emerging private airlines. As African travellers return to the skies, competition is set to intensify, reshaping the continent’s aviation map over the next decade.
