Africa’s aviation sector is sitting on vast untapped potential, but structural barriers, from poor connectivity to high costs, continue to prevent millions of Africans from flying within their own continent, a new market outlook report published by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has pointed out.
The report paints a picture of a continent where demand for air travel is rising steadily, yet the systems meant to support it remain fragmented and inefficient.
“Connectivity in Africa remains limited compared to other regions of the world, with many city pairs still lacking direct links and requiring multiple connections,” Embraer said in its outlook.
For many travellers, flying between African cities is not only expensive but often illogical. It is not uncommon for passengers to route through non-African hubs to reach destinations within the continent, a reality that significantly increases both travel time and cost.
“In many cases, passengers travelling within Africa are required to connect through hubs outside the continent, which increases total journey time, raises costs, and reduces the overall efficiency of air travel,” the report states.
Industry analysts say this lack of direct connectivity is one of the biggest deterrents to growth in intra-African travel. While other regions have built dense networks linking secondary cities, Africa’s aviation map remains thin, with limited frequencies and few direct routes.
At the same time, the report emphasises that demand is not the problem. In fact, Africa is projected to be one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally over the next two decades.
“Air traffic demand in Africa is expected to grow by around 4.4 per cent annually over the next 20 years, driven by economic growth, urbanisation, and a rising middle class with increasing propensity to travel,” Embraer projects.
However, this growth risks being stifled if longstanding structural challenges are not addressed.
High ticket prices remain a major barrier, while taxes, airport charges, and operational costs push fares beyond the reach of many potential travellers.
The report notes that these costs are disproportionately high compared to other regions, making air travel a luxury rather than a routine mode of transport for most Africans.
“High operating costs, including taxes, fees, and infrastructure-related expenses, continue to translate into higher ticket prices for passengers, limiting accessibility and constraining market growth,” the report observes.
Beyond pricing, regulatory fragmentation continues to slow progress. Many African countries maintain restrictive bilateral agreements and protective policies for national carriers, limiting competition and route expansion.
“The lack of liberalised air transport policies, combined with regulatory fragmentation across markets, continues to constrain the development of a more connected and competitive aviation sector in Africa,” Embraer adds.
Visa regimes also compound the problem despite efforts to promote regional integration, travel within Africa still requires extensive documentation in many cases, discouraging spontaneous or short-notice trips.
The combined effect of these barriers is a paradox of a continent with growing demand, a young and mobile population, and expanding trade links, yet one where air travel within its borders remains underdeveloped.
Experts argue that unlocking this potential will require coordinated action across governments, regulators, and the private sector, mainly through expanding direct routes, reducing taxes, and easing travel restrictions, which could dramatically reshape the aviation landscape.
Embraer believes that right-sizing aircraft and improving regional connectivity could play a crucial role.
“There is a significant opportunity to stimulate new markets by deploying right-sized aircraft that can efficiently serve thinner routes, improve frequencies, and enhance connectivity between underserved city pairs,” the report notes.
As Africa pushes forward with initiatives aimed at boosting trade and integration, aviation is expected to play a central role. But unless connectivity gaps are addressed, the skies over Africa may remain underutilised, even as demand continues to climb.
