African airlines at crossroads, 80% of routes unserved-IATA

• Carriers fragmented, infrastructure underdeveloped, high costs amid potential
• SAATM implementation progress slow
• Lauds Ethiopia, Rwanda for making aviation central to development

The Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Kamil Al Awahdi, has painted a not too pleasant picture of the precarious state of the continent’s airlines amid potential.

In his speech titled, “Airline Industry at a Crossroads: Globally, Regionally and Locally” at Africa Aviation 2025 conference taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, he said regionally, “Africa stands at its own crossroads,” adding that the continent is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, yet it remains constrained by fragmentation, high costs, and underdeveloped infrastructure.

He highlighted the potential of the carriers, which he described as immense but untapped because of the inability to connect Africa’s vast landmass, especially since Africa is vast.

Yet in many cases, it is easier to fly to another continent than between two African countries. This lack of connectivity is a barrier to growth, integration, and opportunity.

He said the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) was created to change this—to open skies across Africa, increase competition, reduce fares, and expand routes.

While 38 countries have signed up—representing over 80% of Africa’s aviation market—he expressed disappointment that progress on implementation remains slow.

As global protectionism increases, Africa, according to him, has a unique opportunity to strengthen its internal trade networks.

By investing in aviation infrastructure, liberalizing markets, and aligning policies, the continen,t he stated can build resilient supply chains and unlock new economic corridors.

He listed examples of what’s possible when connectivity is prioritised, like Cape Town Air Access; the public-private initiative, driven by the city and the province, attracted 18 new routes and expanded 23 others, contributing over $290 million in tourism spending and creating more than 10,000 jobs.

This is targeted collaboration, he noted will deliver real economic impact.

He equally noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to lift millions out of poverty by building a single market of 1.3 billion people, reiterating that aviation is the backbone of that ambition while cargo and passenger services make it possible for goods, services, and people to move quickly and reliably.

Yet today, intra-African trade accounts for only 15% of the continent’s total trade—compared to over 60% in Europe. That gap tells us what is at stake.

His words, “More than 80% of intra-African routes remain underserved, limiting the full benefits of regional integration. Airlines, airports, and logistics companies are ready to support AfCFTA. But they need governments to recognise aviation as a strategic enabler of trade—not just a source of tax revenue.

And locally, in each country and community, aviation decisions matter. Whether it’s visa policy, airport investment, or regulatory reform, the choices made today will shape the future of air transport for generations.

“Locally, in each country and community, aviation decisions matter. Whether it’s visa policy, airport investment, or regulatory reform, the choices made today will shape the future of air transport for generations”.

“Aviation is more than transport—it is a powerful economic and social enabler. In 2023, air transport supported 8.1 million jobs and contributed $75 billion to Africa’s GDP. Every aviation job supports 22 others across the economy. This is the multiplier effect of connectivity—and it’s why aviation matters.”

Putting figures to it, Al Awahdi disclosed that Africa’s aviation sector continues to show resilient performance, stressing that as of July 2025, African carriers recorded a 6.7% year-to-date increase in passenger traffic, reflecting sustained recovery and rising demand for both intra-African and long-haul connectivity.

On the cargo side, African carriers, he noted, posted a 9.4% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in July—marking their strongest monthly performance since August 2024.

This rebound, he said, was driven by strong flows on the Africa–Asia corridor, which grew 12.1%, and by expanded belly-hold capacity, which reached its highest level since 2019.

Looking ahead, Africa’s aviation market, he further stated, is forecast to grow at 4.1% annually over the next 20 years—the third-fastest globally—reaching 411 million passengers.

From available analysis, East Africa leads in expected growth, followed by Central and West Africa, Southern Africa and Northern Africa.

“These figures underscore the urgency and potential of aviation in Africa. I want to focus on two strategic priorities essential for Africa’s growth – connecting the continent and strengthening intra-African trade. Aviation is key to achieving both.”

He commended countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda that have made aviation central to their development strategies, stressing that investments in Ethiopian Airlines and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and in RwandAir and Kigali’s new airport, have helped turn these nations into regional hubs—boosting tourism, trade, and investment.

Wole Shadare