Africa’s Busiest International Routes

Despite accounting for a relatively small portion of the global air market, African-based airlines are fighting for a spot on the global market share as more and more passengers take to the skies. The continent’s busiest international air routes reflect its growing importance in global aviation, driven by expanding trade, business, culture, and tourism ties.

The Top 10 Routes

• Cairo – Jeddah (CAI-JED): 5,469,274 seats
  Egypt’s capital city connects with Saudi Arabia’s gateway to Mecca. A vital route for Muslim pilgrims and trade between North Africa and the Middle East.
• Cairo – Riyadh (CAI-RUH): 3,151,116 seats
  Egypt’s capital links with Saudi Arabia’s bustling metropolis. A crucial economic corridor between Africa and the Gulf states.
• Cairo – Dubai (CAI-DXB): 1,919,742 seats
  Egypt’s largest city connects with the Middle East’s business hub, making it a popular route for both leisure and business travellers.
• Cairo – Madinah (CAI-MED): 1,844,795 seats
  Another Egyptian gateway to Mecca serves millions of pilgrims annually. It is a spiritual lifeline connecting Africa to Islam’s holiest sites.
• Cairo – Kuwait (CAI-KWI): 1,709,668 seats
  Egypt’s capital maintains strong ties with Kuwaiti trade partners. An important route for North African goods entering the Gulf region.
• Algiers – Paris CDG (ALG-CDG): 1,393,359 seats
  Algeria’s capital connects with France’s premier airport. A key cultural and economic link between North Africa and Europe.
• Addis Ababa – Dubai (ADD-DXB): 1,177,914 seats
  Ethiopia’s capital serves as a major transit point to Asia. A vital route for African cargo heading eastward.
• Paris Orly – St Denis (ORY-RUN): 1,085,706 seats
  France’s second-largest airport connects to Reunion Island. A popular route for French tourists visiting the Indian Ocean island.
• Cairo – Doha (CAI-DOH): 1,044,048 seats
  Egypt’s capital links with Qatar’s modern hub. A growing route reflecting increased economic ties between Africa and the Gulf.
• Algiers – Paris Orly (ALG-ORY): 1,021,577 seats
  Another Algerian gateway to France, this time via the smaller Orly airport. A significant cultural exchange route between North Africa and Europe.

Challenges and Opportunities

While these routes showcase Africa’s growing global connections, the aviation industry faces challenges that could impact future growth:

• High fuel costs continue to pressure airlines’ bottom lines

• Limited intercontinental routes restrict African travel options

• Regulatory hurdles can slow down industry development

Despite these challenges, Africa’s expanding middle class and improving tourism infrastructure drive air travel demand. As the continent continues to develop its aviation sector, we can expect these numbers to soar even higher.