Africa’s Aviation Sector at a Crossroads: IATA Urges Governments to Act

At its Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) delivered a clear message: aviation must be treated not as a luxury, but as critical infrastructure for Africa’s long-term growth.

Speaking at the event, Kamil Alawadhi emphasized that aviation plays a foundational role in shaping the continent’s economic future. Beyond transporting passengers, it fuels trade, strengthens tourism, connects markets, and accelerates regional integration.

“Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa,” he stated, highlighting that its real value lies in sustainable, long-term prosperity rather than short-term tax revenues.

Progress Made — But Safety Still Lags Behind

Africa’s aviation sector has recorded notable improvements in safety. Between 2024 and 2025, accident rates dropped significantly, from 12.13 to 7.86 per million sectors.

However, this progress still falls short when compared to the global average of 1.32, leaving Africa with the highest accident rate worldwide.

IATA argues that bridging this gap requires stronger compliance with international safety frameworks, particularly those set by International Civil Aviation Organization. Currently, implementation across Sub-Saharan Africa stands at just over 60%, below both the global average and target benchmarks.

Equally concerning is the lack of transparency in accident reporting. Only 19% of accident reports were completed between 2019 and 2023, significantly limiting the industry’s ability to learn and improve.

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High Costs Continue to Undermine Growth

One of the biggest barriers to aviation expansion in Africa is cost.

Operating in the region is approximately 15% more expensive than the global average, largely due to heavy taxation and regulatory charges. In some cases, these costs directly distort ticket prices and reduce accessibility for travelers.

For instance, countries such as Tanzania, Nigeria, and Kenya impose passenger data processing charges well above global norms. IATA warns that these practices not only discourage travel but also weaken connectivity across the continent.

The association is now pushing for policy reforms, including the implementation of a regional decision by ECOWAS to reduce aviation taxes and charges by 25%.

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Bureaucracy and Blocked Funds Threaten Airline Operations

Beyond costs, operational challenges continue to strain airlines.

A major concern is the inability of airlines to repatriate revenues. As of March 2026, African countries account for the highest volume of blocked airline funds globally, totaling $774 million.

Countries like Algeria, Mozambique, and Angola are among the worst affected, creating significant financial uncertainty for airlines operating in those markets.

According to IATA, failure to resolve these issues risks reducing flight routes, weakening connectivity, and ultimately isolating key markets.

Visa restrictions present another hurdle. Nearly half of intra-African travel still requires pre-departure visas, limiting mobility and stalling tourism growth. Where visa policies have been relaxed, countries have seen immediate gains in travel demand and route sustainability.

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A Major Opportunity in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

While challenges persist, Africa holds a powerful advantage in the future of sustainable aviation.

The continent has vast potential to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a key component in reducing aviation emissions. According to IATA estimates, Sub-Saharan Africa could generate up to 106 million tonnes of SAF feedstock annually by 2050.

This presents a dual opportunity: advancing climate goals while creating jobs and strengthening energy security.

In addition, participation in global frameworks like CORSIA could unlock significant climate financing opportunities. However, only a handful of countries—including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania—have taken initial steps to participate.

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Aviation as a Growth Engine

The message from IATA is ultimately strategic. Africa’s aviation sector is not just about airlines—it is about economic transformation.

A well-structured aviation strategy centered on safety, affordability, operational efficiency, and sustainability could unlock widespread benefits. These include job creation, improved trade flows, stronger tourism industries, and deeper regional integration.