Key drivers include expanded routes, better connectivity and rising domestic and international travel demand.
In June 2025, seating capacity across Africa fell 3% compared to June 2024. However, routes within Africa recorded a slight increase in seating capacity of 0.1% due to the introduction of new routes, network expansion and aircraft expansion initiatives.
The top 10 airports in Africa by seating capacity in June 2025 were:
1. Cairo International Airport: 22.6%
2. Johannesburg or Tambo International: 14.8%
3. AddisAbabaBole International Airport: 14.7%
4. Mohammed V International Airport: 8.9%
5. Houariboumediene Airport, Algiers: 7.4%
6. Cape Town International Airport: 7.0%
7. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi: 6.7%
8. Marrakech Menara Airport: 6.6%
9. Tunis – Cartage International Airport: 5.8%
10. Hurghada International Airport: 5.3%
The regional seating capacity distribution was derived as follows:
•North Africa: 40.7%
•East Africa: 23.0%
•South Africa: 18.9%
•Central and West Africa: 17.4%
As of April 2025, African Airlines accounted for 52.4% of its international capacity (including both regional and intercontinental operations), while non-African carriers accounted for 47.6%. For InterContinental Services, the African airline held a capacity stake of 36.3%, while the non-African operators led 63.7%.
African airlines accounted for 49.0% of all international transport (regional and intercontinental) in April 2025, while non-African airlines accounted for 51.0%. Particularly when it comes to intercontinental transport, African airlines held a traffic share of 35.3%, compared to 64.7% of non-African airlines.
AFRAA increased African Airlines passengers to 113 million in 2025, up from 98 million in 2024, showing a 15.3% increase. This increase highlights the industry's resilience and positive trajectory.
A year-over-year comparison of available seat kilometers (ASKS) shows a 2% increase in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Similarly, revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) increased by 6% over the same period.
Connectivity
As of June 2025, capacity-based connectivity within Africa showed the rights of third and fourth free traffic, accounting for 39% of total capacity, respectively, with the fifth free operation accounting for 22%.
A subregional cargo traffic analysis as of May 2025 revealed that African exports continue to outperform imports in most regions, while the South, West and Central Africa recorded higher imports than exports. African Airlines' market share in freight transport is also a key area of strategic focus. East Africa accounted for 30% of Africa's total freight market share.
Passenger revenues for African airlines also showed strong growth, with April 2025 rising 19% compared to April 2024.
Jet Fuel Price: As of the week ending June 20, 2025, the global average jet fuel price was USD 96.97 per barrel, reflecting a 12.9% increase compared to the US$ 82.30 per barrel recorded in the same week of the previous month.
Regulation/Industrial Issues
African Airlines is urged to pay attention to continuous development and take appropriate action when necessary. AFRAA welcomes further updates on African Aviation on relevant developments in the highlighted regulatory sector below.
US Travel Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a declaration that he would “restrict the entry of foreigners to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.”
The declaration, which came into effect on June 9, 2025, has halted the entry of citizens from 12 countries (seven Africans) to the United States. The countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Additionally, citizens of the other seven countries (three Africans) are partially restricted from travelling to the US depending on the type of visa: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
If the government fails to meet the conditions outlined by the US, citizens of 25 additional countries could face similar restrictions.
