NRT Gabon Takes Flight: New Opportunities Emerge in Gabon’s Domestic Air Travel Market

Gabon’s domestic aviation landscape is poised for a shift with the recent certification of Nationale Régionale Transport (NRT Gabon). The airline’s newly acquired Air Operator Certificate (AOC), granted on March 28, 2025, marks a significant development, promising increased competition and enhanced connectivity within the country. This presents exciting prospects for African travel agents seeking to expand their offerings and tap into Gabon’s growing travel market.

Under the leadership of Director General Louis Anicet Dissouva, NRT Gabon is set to challenge the existing duopoly of Fly Gabon and Afrijet Business Service, which currently dominate the market. This increased competition is expected to drive improvements in service quality, potentially leading to more competitive fares and enhanced travel options for passengers. For travel agents, this translates into greater flexibility and more choices for crafting tailored travel packages.

NRT Gabon’s entry into the market coincides with a period of growth and transformation in Gabon’s aviation sector. The government’s commitment to modernizing airport infrastructure and strengthening regulatory frameworks has created a favorable environment for new entrants. This supportive ecosystem, coupled with increasing demand for domestic air travel, positions NRT Gabon for success and offers travel agents a promising new partner in the Gabonese market.

The airline’s strategic focus on enhancing domestic connectivity is particularly relevant for travel agents catering to business travelers and those seeking to explore Gabon’s diverse regions. Improved air links between key cities and remote areas can unlock new tourism opportunities and facilitate smoother travel experiences for clients. By partnering with NRT Gabon, travel agents can gain a competitive edge in offering unique and convenient travel solutions within Gabon.

While Fly Gabon and Afrijet currently hold a significant share of the market, the arrival of NRT Gabon, along with the steady growth of Africa United Airlines, is expected to reshape the competitive landscape. Africa United Airlines, operating a CRJ100 aircraft leased from South African company CemAir, has been steadily expanding its presence since 2023. This dynamic market environment presents both challenges and opportunities for travel agents, requiring them to stay informed about the evolving market dynamics and adapt their strategies accordingly.

NRT Gabon’s emergence also highlights the broader trend of increasing investment and development within Africa’s aviation sector. As more countries recognize the importance of air travel for economic growth and regional integration, the demand for reliable and efficient air services is rising. This presents a positive outlook for African travel professionals, who can leverage these developments to expand their businesses and offer clients a wider range of travel options across the continent.

The visualization below provides a snapshot of the current market distribution and the evolving competitive landscape. Fly Gabon and Afrijet, combined, hold a substantial portion of the market, while a significant percentage of routes remain underserved or catered to by smaller operators. This highlights the potential for growth and expansion within the market, offering new entrants like NRT Gabon ample opportunity to carve out their niche.


The timeline below illustrates the recent developments in Gabon’s domestic aviation market, highlighting the entry of new players and the evolving competitive dynamics. The growth of Africa United Airlines, the launch of Fly Gabon, and the recent certification of NRT Gabon all point to a dynamic and evolving market, ripe with opportunities for travel agents who can adapt to these changes and leverage them to their advantage.

The competitive analysis matrix below provides a concise overview of the key players in Gabon’s domestic aviation market. It highlights the market positions, aircraft types, and operational statuses of the major airlines, offering travel agents valuable insights into the competitive landscape. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about airline partnerships and crafting effective travel packages for clients.


For African travel agents, NRT Gabon’s certification presents a valuable opportunity to expand their product offerings and cater to the growing demand for domestic travel within Gabon. By staying informed about the airline’s developing route network, fleet expansion plans, and partnership agreements, travel agents can position themselves at the forefront of this evolving market and provide clients with exceptional travel experiences. This proactive approach will be essential for maximizing booking potential and establishing long-term success in the dynamic African travel industry.