It is faster to fly from Nairobi, Kenya, to Marrakech, Morocco, by passing through Paris, France an astonishing fact that highlights the fragmented state of Africa’s aviation network. Despite being on the same continent and only about 3,700 miles apart, the two vibrant cities have no direct air connection. Travelers frequently find themselves routed through Europe or the Middle East, turning what should be a simple continental flight into a long and costly journey.
This problem is not unique to Nairobi and Marrakech. Across Africa, many of the continent’s capitals and major commercial hubs lack direct flights to each other, a situation that has long frustrated travelers and stifled regional economic growth. Aviation experts say the main culprit is the restrictive bilateral air service agreements that dictate which airlines can operate certain routes. These agreements, negotiated between individual countries, often limit competition and flexibility, keeping Africa’s skies closed to many potential operators.
“The biggest challenge is market access,” explains Raphael Kuuchi, Consulting Director of Government, Legal and Industry Affairs at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). “We need to allow airlines to move passengers freely in and out of African cities without the current restrictions.”
AFRAA and other regional organizations, including the African Union and the African Civil Aviation Commission, are working toward a unified vision known as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This ambitious initiative seeks to liberalize air travel across the continent — similar to how the European Union operates — by granting all African airlines the freedom to fly within Africa without restrictions on pricing or flight frequency.
The stakes are high. Africa’s aviation industry currently supports an estimated $75 billion in economic activity and 8.1 million jobs, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Yet, it still represents just 2 percent of the world’s air travelers — a glaring gap given the continent’s size and population. Experts estimate that a fully liberalized aviation market could add nearly $4 billion to Africa’s GDP and create more than half a million new jobs.
However, the sector faces enormous hurdles. High operational costs, limited infrastructure, safety concerns, and burdensome taxation policies have kept air travel expensive and inaccessible for most Africans. Many governments continue to treat aviation as a “cash cow,” imposing excessive fees that drive up ticket prices. “Aviation should be seen as an enabler of economic growth,” says IATA’s regional director for external affairs, Somas Appavou. “Taxing it heavily only limits its potential to contribute to GDP and job creation.”
Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, one of Africa’s largest low-cost carriers, says that while demand for air travel is growing, many routes are still too “thin” to be profitable. “In many city pairs across Africa, the daily average passenger count is under 100,” he explains. “For an airline operating a Boeing 737 with 120 seats, that’s simply not viable.”
The lack of economies of scale drives fares even higher, compounded by expensive jet fuel, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient regulatory systems. For comparison, global airlines earn an average profit of about $7 per passenger, but in Africa, it’s just $1. With an average GDP per capita of around $2,885 — far below the global average of $13,664 — air travel remains a luxury for most Africans.
Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs. Since the launch of SAATM in 2018, 38 countries have signed on, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. While implementation remains uneven, progress is being made. AFRAA reports that more than 100 new routes have been developed in the last four years under regional cooperation programs.
Countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda have emerged as aviation pioneers. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most successful carrier, is building a new $10 billion “mega airport” capable of handling 60 million passengers annually. Meanwhile, RwandAir, though younger, has rapidly expanded across 17 African routes and now flies to major global destinations such as London, Paris, and Dubai. Both nations see aviation as a core pillar of their economic development strategies, investing heavily in infrastructure, training, and connectivity.
Another critical aspect of boosting air travel is visa reform. SAATM encourages African nations to relax entry restrictions, promote visa-free travel for Africans, and adopt e-visa systems to enhance mobility. Currently, only five countries — Benin, Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Ghana — allow visa-free entry to all African passport holders. However, experts say more nations are beginning to follow suit, recognizing the importance of free movement for business and tourism.
Africa’s aviation industry is brimming with potential. It has the people, the markets, and the ambitio but for now, it remains held back by policy bottlenecks and fragmented regulation. As experts emphasize, an “open skies” approach could transform not just the industry but the entire continent’s economy.
For millions of Africans, the dream is simple: a future where traveling from Nairobi to Marrakech or from Lagos to Dakar no longer requires a detour through Europe. If initiatives like SAATM take full flight, that dream may soon become reality, connecting Africa’s people, cultures, and economies like never before.
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