The latest African aviation market data for January 2026 reveals the continued recovery of the continent’s air transport sector, with Egypt ranking high amongst African countries.
This indicator reflects its growing role as a major regional hub for international air traffic and travel.
According to data from OAG – Schedules Analyser, a company specializing in analyzing airline schedules globally, the Cairo International Airport recorded the largest international flight seat capacity among African countries, driven by increased travel demand and the expansion of air connectivity networks between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Busiest airports in Africa
Egypt’s top ranking was bolstered by the strong performance of the Cairo International Airport, which ranked first among Africa’s busiest airports in January 2026, recording a seat capacity of approximately 1.75 million departing flights, representing a year-on-year growth of 10.3 percent compared to the same period in 2025.
This performance reflects Cairo’s continued strengthening position as a major hub for international air connectivity within and beyond the continent.
According to the report, the top ten African airports by seat capacity as of January 2026 were:
- Cairo International Airport – Egypt
- Addis Ababa Airport – Ethiopia
- Johannesburg Airport (OR Tambo) – South Africa
- Casablanca Airport – Morocco
- Cape Town Airport – South Africa
- Lagos Airport – Nigeria
- Marrakech Airport – Morocco
- Algiers Airport – Algeria
- Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – Kenya
- Hurghada Airport – Egypt
- Fastest Growing Airports
Performance data showed that Moroccan airports achieved the fastest growth rates among the largest African airports.
Casablanca Airport’s seat capacity increased by 18.1 percent. while Marrakech Airport recorded growth of 17.5 percent between January 2025 and January 2026, supported by the recovery of international tourism and increased air connectivity.
The Ethiopian Airlines continued to lead the list of the largest airlines in Africa, recording a seat capacity of approximately 2.1 million seats in January 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.4 percent.
Data showed that South Africa leads the continent in terms of seat capacity for domestic flights, driven by the expansion of its domestic aviation network and the number of hub airports within the country.
The future of African Aviation
These indicators reflect the continued strong recovery of the African aviation sector, driven by increased travel demand and expanded operational capacity of airlines, alongside the growing role of major airports as regional hubs.
This year is expected to see increased competition among airports and airlines within the continent, with a growing focus on improving operational efficiency, expanding international connectivity, and boosting tourism and trade.
