As conflict in the Middle East forces carriers to reroute flights and rethink global travel corridors, some of Africa's largest airlines with established connections between Africa, Europe, and Asia are experiencing a surge in passenger traffic.
Africa's leading hub airlines are finding opportunity in disruption. As conflict in the Middle East forces carriers to reroute flights and rethink global travel corridors, some of Africa's largest airlines with established connections between Africa, Europe, and Asia are experiencing a surge in passenger traffic.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African carriers are expected to record the strongest traffic growth among global regions in 2026, with demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) projected to rise by 10%. Capacity is expected to increase by 7.7%.
But while more travellers are passing through African hubs, the industry's financial outlook is deteriorating rapidly under the weight of soaring fuel costs and persistent operational challenges.
IATA expects Africa's airline industry to generate just $100 million in net profit in 2026, down sharply from an estimated $300 million in 2025. Profit margins are forecast to fall from 1.6% to just 0.2%, while profit per passenger is expected to drop from $2.10 to only $0.40.
