Domestic flights drive African aviation as regional connectivity lags

Domestic air transport continues to drive the bulk of African aviation journeys, according to data from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), which reveals that major gaps still persist in air connectivity between African regions. In its half year report covering domestic, intra-African, and international routes from July to December 2025, domestic routes recorded the highest passenger volumes, carrying a combined 13.4 million passengers across the top 100 routes compared to 9.3 million passengers on intra-African routes and 4.1 million passengers on international flights. The domestic route network was concentrated within a small number of African countries, with South Africa and Nigeria accounting for the largest domestic networks due "to their large geographic size, multiple commercial centres, and strong demand for domestic air travel," the report states. "South Africa maintains a mature domestic aviation market supported by several major airports and frequent services between key economic centres. Similarly, Nigeria's extensive domestic network reflects the country's population size and the need for air transport to connect major cities across its regions. "Together, these two countries represent the strongest domestic aviation markets within Africa during the reporting period," the report found. The busiest route of all segments was Cape Town-Johannesburg, which carried 1.99 million passengers during the review period. It was followed by Durban-Johannesburg, with 1.39 million passengers Intra-regional connectivity lags While demand is strong on domestic routes, there is still significant scope to improve connectivity between African regions, according to data from AFRAA and OAG. Connectivity between Eastern and Western Africa is rated at just 7%; between Northern and Southern Africa at just 5%; and between Southern and Western Africa at just 3%. The highest connectivity rate observed between different regions is the 34% recorded between Northern and Western Africa. Connectivity within regions is more encouraging; intra-North African connectivity sits at 74%; intra-Eastern African connectivity is at 48% and intra-Southern African connectivity is at 49%. But the report found that there is a "visible connectivity gap" in Central Africa, with maps showing Chad, Niger and the Central African Republic with minimal to no route lines crossing them. "Intra-African volumes (4.1m) remain small relative to domestic (13.4m) and international (9.3m) scopes, mirroring the continental narrative that intra-African connectivity lags behind both domestic demand and international linkages, a gap SAATM (the Single African Aviation Air Transport Market) implementation is intended to help close," the authors write. Regional corridors boosting connectivity Despite the gaps in connectivity, the development of regional corridors is highlighted as positive in Africa's aviation landscape. The AFRAA insisted that the "intra-African network continued to strengthen during the reporting period." It said that several regional corridors are serving as critical links between African economic centres, including Tripoli - Tunis, Harare-Johannesburg, Mogadishu-Nairobi, Algiers-Tunis and Entebbe-Nairobi. "These routes reflect a combination of economic integration, tourism demand, historical ties, and geographic proximity. Many also connect passengers to larger hub airports that provide onward access to destinations across Africa and beyond. "The concentration of traffic along these corridors highlights the strategic role of regional hubs such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Tunis, and Cairo in facilitating intra-African mobility. These airports serve not only local markets but also function as gateways connecting neighbouring region." Further development could help to boost African economies and deepen regional cooperation, the report says. "The low levels of connectivity between subregions indicate significant opportunities for improvement. Enhancing these transport links could potentially improve economic integration and regional cooperation. Addressing these connectivity deficits may stimulate trade, tourism, and overall economic growth across the continent."