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African Aviation Growth Faces Infrastructure Hurdles, Says ACI Africa African Aviation Growth Faces Infrastructure Hurdles, Says ACI Africa

African air traffic is on the rise, but growth opportunities continue to be constrained by infrastructure challenges, according to Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of ACI Africa. Speaking during an African Airlines Association (AFRAA) webinar, Tounsi emphasized the need for stronger government engagement, regional cooperation, and strategic airport investments to unlock the continent’s aviation potential.

Tounsi reported that African air traffic is steadily recovering from the pandemic, with passenger numbers reaching 240 million in 2024, reflecting an 11% year-on-year growth. This recovery has been fueled by the rebound in tourism in key markets like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa, the expansion of carriers such as FlySafair and Airlink, and the increased trade driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

However, recovery remains uneven across the continent. Tounsi pointed out that Central Africa is lagging behind due to limited airport infrastructure and high operating costs, while political instability continues to hinder growth in parts of Northern Africa. These disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address regional challenges.

Many African airports face financial difficulties due to low traffic volumes, making them unattractive to private investors. Tounsi stressed that governments must play a central role in creating opportunities by building tourism infrastructure, attracting investment, and promoting destinations. “It is up to the government to create attraction to the destination, to build tourism infrastructure, and to encourage investment. And with that, you can create traffic,” he explained.

Tounsi also highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address funding and operational inefficiencies in the sector. These partnerships, he said, are particularly critical for smaller airports that struggle to secure private investment due to their limited traffic and financial viability. By combining public funding with private expertise, African airports can improve operational efficiencies and enhance their competitiveness.

Despite the challenges, Tounsi expressed optimism about the future of Africa’s aviation industry. He pointed to thriving regional hubs in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco, which are driving both regional and international connectivity. Additionally, low-cost carriers (LCCs), which remain underdeveloped in Africa, present a significant opportunity to boost domestic and regional air traffic.

For African travel agents, the continued recovery of air travel and the potential for increased connectivity represent exciting opportunities to expand offerings and better serve clients. By keeping an eye on the growth of strategic hubs and low-cost carriers, agents can craft itineraries that capitalize on Africa’s improving aviation landscape.

As air traffic continues to grow, the focus must remain on addressing infrastructure gaps and fostering partnerships that ensure sustainable development. With the right investments and collaboration, Africa’s aviation sector has the potential to become a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.