The African aviation market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by rising passenger traffic from international airlines, expanded route networks, and strategic partnerships. A new report from OAG aviation's Data Insights on the World’s Major Airlines has revealed the top 10 international airlines with the largest African market.

According to the report, international airlines have expanded their presence in Africa by increasing their capacity in the region, leveraging the continent’s economic potential, growing population, and rising demand for air travel. This expansion reflects increasing demand for air travel, improved connectivity, and ongoing investments in infrastructure and airline collaborations, reinforcing Africa’s position as a key market for global aviation.

Airline capacity, referring to the total number of seats available on an airline's flights over a given period, is a crucial factor in airline operations. It impacts profitability, ticket prices, and overall efficiency. The OAG report found that leading airlines increased their capacity in Africa, indicating a strengthened market.

IATA’s 2024 global airline passenger market report showed total traffic rising 10.4% from 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. Capacity grew by 8.7%, with international traffic increasing by 13.6% and domestic traffic by 5.7%. Airlines responded efficiently, achieving an all-time high load factor of 83.5%, partly due to supply chain constraints.

December 2024 saw strong performance, with demand up 8.6% year-on-year. International demand rose by 10.6%, domestic by 5.5%, and the load factor hit a record 84% for the month. The report highlights the importance of investments in airport infrastructure, airline partnerships, and policy initiatives like SAATM, which have enhanced competition, reduced fares, and improved connectivity, benefiting airlines like Emirates, Qatar, and Turkish Airlines.

The top 10 international airlines with the largest African market are ranked as follows: Ryanair with 5,322,493 seats, Emirates with 4,320,219 seats, Turkish Airlines with 3,481,401 seats, Qatar Airways with 3,207,928 seats, Easyjet with 2,583,938 seats, British Airways with 1,322,734 seats, Lufthansa with 1,249,268 seats, Delta Air Lines with 378,861 seats, United Airlines with 270,986 seats, and Air Canada with 78,122 seats.

Although Delta Air Lines has the highest total capacity at 239.9 million seats, followed by United Airlines and Ryanair, in the African market, Ryanair leads with 5.3 million seats, followed by Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways, reflecting their strong regional presence. European and Middle Eastern airlines dominate Africa's aviation market, while North American carriers like Delta, United, and Air Canada have minimal operations in the region despite their large global capacity.

The report's findings have significant implications for the aviation industry, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships, investments in infrastructure, and policy initiatives to enhance competition and improve connectivity. As the African market continues to grow, airlines will need to adapt to changing demand and invest in innovative solutions to stay ahead in this increasingly competitive market.

In conclusion, the report provides valuable insights into the African aviation market, highlighting the top international airlines with the largest presence in the region. As the market continues to evolve, it will be essential for airlines, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure sustainable growth and development in this critical sector.