Africa’s Airborne Highways: Africa’s Most Travelled Airline Routes in 2024 and Why They Matter

The African aviation industry is showing signs of rapid growth in both business and leisure travel. The fleet size is projected to grow by 25% to over 1,400 aircraft by 2034, according to Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet and MRO Market Forecast. This growth reflects increasing demand, with African passenger numbers expected to nearly double by 2035, as reported by the International Air Transport Association. The continent’s air routes are not just bridges between countries but also vital lifelines for economic trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

In the year 2024, despite challenges such as continued recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, Investment challenges include inflation, skilled labour shortages, and rising costs, passenger traffic showed a steady rebound, with African carriers reporting a 16.8% increase in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) compared to the same period in 2023, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). However, this growth varied across regions. Available seat kilometers (ASK) increased by 18.9%.

Despite this growth. Africa still lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to air travel. According to report by the Single African Air Transport Market, Africa accounts for less than 4% of the global air market despite boasting 16.75% of the world’s population with 1.4 billion people. Certain flight paths, however, stand out for their sheer volume of traffic, acting as crucial arteries in African aviation. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the busiest air routes on the continent, showcasing the routes that see the highest number of flights and passengers. Buckle up as we count down the top air routes that keep the African continent in motion.

10. Johannesburg – Windhoek
The popular route connecting South Africa and Namibia remains a top choice. OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is among the busiest airports on the continent, while Windhoek captivates visitors with its distinctive combination of natural landscapes and cultural richness, appealing to both business professionals and tourists alike. A blend of corporate ventures (notably in mining and manufacturing) alongside an expanding tourism sector makes this route highly sought after. Numerous flights are available to meet the needs of both business travelers and holidaymakers.

9. Tunisia – Benghazi
Connecting Tunisia’s capital with the historic Libyan city of Benghazi, this route sees consistent traffic for both business and diplomatic purposes. The strong economic and diplomatic ties between Tunisia and Libya help maintain high air traffic. Additionally, Benghazi’s importance as a key port and industrial center further drives demand for flights.

8. Johannesburg – Mauritius
This popular route links South Africa to the idyllic island paradise of Mauritius, a favorite destination for tourists. Known for its breathtaking beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant tourism scene, Mauritius is a top choice for vacationers and honeymooners. The combination of Johannesburg’s role as a major business hub in Africa and Mauritius’ flourishing tourism industry ensures a steady demand for flights throughout the year.

7. Johannesburg – Lusaka
The route between South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, and Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, is a vital connection for both business and tourism. This route plays a key role, especially in the mining and energy sectors, with Zambia’s copper industry driving significant business travel. Lusaka also attracts tourists thanks to its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

6. Nairobi – Entebbe
Linking the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, with Uganda’s Entebbe, this route plays a crucial role in supporting the economies and tourism industries of both nations. Nairobi acts as a central hub for numerous businesses and NGOs across East Africa, while Entebbe is the primary entry point for visitors traveling to Uganda’s national parks. The strong allure of Uganda’s tourism offerings, combined with Nairobi’s significance as a business and transport center, drives consistent air traffic along this route.

5. Addis Ababa – Asmara
This route links Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, with Eritrea’s Asmara, serving as an important connection for both business and political reasons. Despite a complex history, air traffic remains robust, particularly following the peace agreement between the two countries. Growing trade and shared historical ties contribute to the frequency of flights. Additionally, Asmara’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site draws cultural tourists to the city.

4. Algiers – Tunisia
This route links the capitals of Algeria and Tunisia, which are key political and economic hubs in North Africa. Business travel, trade activities, and diplomatic interactions contribute to increased air traffic along this corridor. With a lengthy shared border and strong economic ties, both nations benefit from this connection. Additionally, the continuous flow of tourists—particularly to Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast—further enhances the activity on this busy flight path.

3. Accra – Lagos
This route connects Accra, the capital of Ghana, with Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center. As two of West Africa’s largest and most powerful economies, there is a consistently high demand for flights between the cities. Both Accra and Lagos are home to dynamic business sectors, particularly in finance, oil, and technology. Additionally, the rich cultural and entertainment offerings in both cities make this route a favorite among leisure travelers.

2. Johannesburg – Harare
As the second busiest route on the continent, this corridor connects South Africa with its northern neighbor, Zimbabwe. Johannesburg shares a robust and close relationship with Harare, the dynamic capital of Zimbabwe. Both cities are vital business centers, especially in significant sectors such as mining, agriculture, and finance. Continuous economic interactions between South Africa and Zimbabwe, combined with deep-rooted family ties and connections within the diaspora, keep this route bustling throughout the year. The frequent flights available accommodate a wide range of needs for both corporate executives and leisure travelers alike.

1. Tunis – Mitiga
Claiming the title of Africa’s busiest route, the connection between Tunis and Mitiga is significant. Located near Tripoli in Libya, Mitiga functions as one of the country’s primary international airports. The high demand for flights on this route is primarily fueled by the economic, business, and political relationships between Tunisia and Libya. Numerous business travelers, diplomats, and individuals with familial ties frequently commute between these two nations. Furthermore, there is a consistent flow of humanitarian assistance alongside growing interest in tourism and cultural exchanges within the region. The close proximity of Mitiga to Tripoli—a vital economic and political center in Libya—also heightens the necessity for regular flights. This route effectively links Tunisia’s capital with Mitiga, serving as an essential channel for both business dealings and diplomatic engagements despite regional challenges.

As Africa stands as the final frontier in air travel waiting to be explored, there is optimism for a sustained rise in air passenger numbers. Initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) have garnered support from numerous African nations, although full implementation is still pending for some. This initiative aims to enhance the ability of African countries to compete globally by decreasing dependence on foreign airlines for intra-African flights.

Written by Enos Mutyavaviri

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