Africa’s aviation market is picking up pace as tourism rebounds, regional business travel expands, and governments invest in airport capacity. Using total passenger traffic in 2024 (arrivals, departures, and transit), the hubs below ranked among the continent’s busiest—and many also posted solid year-on-year growth.
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Top 10 busiest airports in Africa (2024)

1) Cairo International Airport (Egypt) — 28.97m passengers (+10.6%)

Cairo stayed Africa’s #1 gateway, benefiting from its geography linking Africa, Europe and the Middle East, plus strong tourism flows into Egypt.

2) O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg (South Africa) — 18.37m (+34.5%)

Johannesburg’s main hub recorded one of the biggest jumps in the top 10, underlining the rebound in Southern Africa’s long-haul and regional traffic.
3) Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia) — 11.80m (+13.6%)

Addis remains a major transit hub, supported by Ethiopian Airlines’ network that connects Africa with Europe and Asia through Addis Ababa.
4) Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca (Morocco) — 10.45m (+6.7%)

Casablanca is Morocco’s main hub and a key link for Africa–Europe and transatlantic flows. Morocco is also planning major airport capacity expansion ahead of the 2030 World Cup, backed by new financing for upgrades across several airports.
5) Cape Town International Airport (South Africa) — 10.37m (+6.8%)

Cape Town continued to benefit from steady international tourism demand and strong seasonal travel patterns into the Western Cape.
6) Hurghada International Airport (Egypt) — 9.64m (+9.6%)

Hurghada’s Red Sea resort traffic kept it among Africa’s top performers, reflecting leisure-heavy demand and peak-season surges.
7) Marrakech-Menara Airport (Morocco) — 9.25m (+34.0%)

Marrakech recorded one of the fastest growth rates in the top 10, driven by tourism momentum and improving connectivity into Morocco’s leisure markets.
8) Houari Boumediene Airport, Algiers (Algeria) — 9.15m (+15.0%)

Algiers strengthened its position as a key North African capital gateway with continued route growth and rising passenger volumes.
9) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (Kenya) — 8.75m (+6.6%)

Nairobi remains East Africa’s busiest hub, supporting safari tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity via Kenya’s capital.
10) Tunis–Carthage Airport (Tunisia) — 7.28m (+9.0%)

Tunis rounds out the top 10, supported by growing leisure demand and improving regional links across North Africa and Europe.

Extra context and takeaways

• North Africa dominates: Egypt and Morocco (plus Algeria and Tunisia) account for 6 of the top 10, showing how tourism and Europe-linked networks are shaping Africa’s passenger rankings.
• Biggest growth stories: O.R. Tambo and Marrakech posted the sharpest year-on-year rises among the top 10, signalling strong recovery and route rebuilds.
• Capacity race is accelerating: Morocco’s multi-year airport upgrade push ahead of 2030 is a sign that infrastructure spending is becoming a key competitive advantage for hubs chasing airlines and transfer traffic.

Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Thursday that Arab and international airlines will gradually resume operations at Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport beginning June 1, as the country moves toward restoring full air traffic activity after recent disruptions.

Chairman of the Authority, Sheikh Engineer Hamoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, credited Kuwait’s leadership for its continued support of the aviation sector. He expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, for backing efforts to strengthen and modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.

According to Sheikh Hamoud, flight operations will resume in stages under a structured implementation plan intended to confirm technical preparedness and logistical efficiency. He said the phased approach is designed to maintain orderly air traffic movement and uphold strict passenger safety standards, with ongoing assessments at each phase before reaching full operating capacity.

The return of Arab and foreign carriers follows the completion of extensive repair, rehabilitation and development work at major airport facilities. Authorities said the upgrades included improvements to infrastructure, systems and broader operational readiness across Kuwait International Airport.

GACA also confirmed that all required enhancements at Terminal 1 have now been finalized. The main passenger terminal has undergone redesign measures intended to improve passenger movement while preserving high security and safety standards.

Sheikh Hamoud pointed to a recent inspection visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who reviewed progress at Terminal 1 and examined the latest completed developments. The visit was attended by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Salem Al-Sabah and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority.

During the visit, officials delivered a detailed briefing covering repair, rehabilitation and modernization projects carried out by the Authority, particularly following recent Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait International Airport. The presentation also addressed the proposed operational roadmap for the return of foreign airlines, as well as preparations linked to this year’s Hajj flight schedule.

In his closing remarks, Sheikh Hamoud praised the cooperation of government agencies working at the airport, including the Ministry of Interior and the General Administration of Customs. He also commended aviation authority staff for maintaining airport operations during what he described as exceptional circumstances.

Source: ZAWYA

Flight activity at Hamad International Airport is steadily increasing as the airport prepares for the busy summer travel season, according to an update issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The airport said that its operations are expanding in coordination with airline partners and relevant authorities, with over 30 carriers currently running services to and from Doha.

In its latest statement, Hamad International Airport outlined a phased schedule showing when additional airlines have resumed or expanded services throughout 2026:

• May 1, 2026: Air India, Air India Express, Gulf Air, IndiGo
• May 4, 2026: Ethiopian Airlines
• May 5, 2026: Saudia
• May 7, 2026: Kuwait Airways
• May 11, 2026: SriLankan Airlines
• May 12, 2026: Pegasus Airlines
• May 14, 2026: Pakistan International Airlines
• May 17, 2026: Kam Air
• May 19, 2026: Flynas
• May 21, 2026: Jazeera Airways
• June 2, 2026: RwandAir
• June 9, 2026: Turkish Airlines
• June 15, 2026: Virgin Australia
• July 1, 2026: Royal Air Maroc
• July 2, 2026: Malaysia Airlines

The airport authority emphasized that all flight operations are being carried out in line with regulatory requirements and in close coordination with airline partners. It also noted that schedules remain subject to change, including possible adjustments or cancellations depending on operational circumstances.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi Arabia’s airports handled a total of 140.9 million passengers in 2025, marking a 9.6 percent increase compared with 2024, according to the latest air transport statistics bulletin issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The report showed that international flights accounted for 75.8 million arriving and departing passengers, reflecting a 9.4 percent year-on-year rise. Meanwhile, domestic flights served 65.1 million passengers, up 9.8 percent from the previous year.

Among the Kingdom’s airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded the highest passenger volume at 53.5 million, followed by King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with 40.8 million, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with 13.7 million.

Average daily passenger movement reached 178,600 on domestic flights and 207,700 on international routes, underscoring continued expansion in air travel demand.

The total number of arriving and departing flights across Saudi airports rose to 979,800 in 2025, an 8.3 percent increase compared with 2024. Of these, 506,300 were domestic flights, up 6.8 percent, while 473,500 were international flights, marking a stronger 9.9 percent annual growth.

At the airport level, King Abdulaziz International Airport also led in flight operations with 314,400 flights, followed by King Khalid International Airport with 296,800, and King Fahd International Airport with 108,500.

The report added that the average daily number of domestic flights reached 1,387, slightly higher than the 1,297 international flights operated per day.

Saudi Arabia also expanded its international aviation links in 2025. The number of countries connected to the Kingdom through international airports increased to 66, representing a 1.5 percent rise, while destinations served climbed to 176, up 2.3 percent from 2024.

In airline market share, Saudia Airlines ranked first among carriers operating in Saudi airspace with 25.5 percent, followed by flynas at 13.3 percent and Flyadeal at 8.6 percent.

Globally, Saudi Arabia ranked 18th in the 2025 air connectivity index, slipping one position from 17th place in 2024.

GASTAT said the bulletin was prepared using administrative data from public and private sector entities, with figures undergoing detailed statistical review and verification procedures to maintain accuracy, reliability and quality before publication.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Hamad International Airport has announced an expansion of its flight operations in anticipation of heightened passenger demand during the upcoming summer travel period. The move comes as Qatar Airways continues to strengthen its worldwide route network.

Airport authorities stated that 26 partner airlines are currently operating services to and from Doha, contributing to the expected rise in travel activity over the coming months.

Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines directly for ticket reservations and the latest schedule updates. The airport also confirmed that all operational arrangements are being coordinated closely with aviation authorities and airline partners to maintain efficient and uninterrupted travel services during the peak season.

Travellers were further encouraged to visit the airport’s FAQ section for information regarding newly added airlines and updated operational guidance.

Source: Qatar Tribune

Kuwait’s acting director general of civil aviation, Duaij Al-Otaibi, has said that Kuwait International Airport is secure and prepared to fully resume operations once clearance is granted by the relevant authorities.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency on Monday, Al-Otaibi stressed that safeguarding passengers, personnel and infrastructure remains the primary concern guiding all operational decisions. He described the current security arrangements as precautionary steps aimed at maintaining high protection standards, acknowledging that they may cause some inconvenience to travellers.

He noted that the airport is gradually restoring activity levels to those seen before the recent Iranian aggression, with improvements underway in both performance and operational efficiency. Passenger flow is being carefully managed to ensure smooth movement from parking areas to terminals.

As part of temporary security protocols, boarding gates are not currently in use, with passengers transported to aircraft by bus. Authorities are reviewing the situation and may reinstate standard boarding procedures following further assessment.

Additional support has been introduced for elderly passengers and those with disabilities, including electric wheelchairs and improved access through elevators. Al-Otaibi added that the main terminal entrance is expected to reopen in the coming days after coordination with key bodies such as the Ministry of Interior and the General Fire Force.

He said the measures form part of a wider safety strategy, supported by weekly operational reviews to facilitate a phased return to normal services.

Al-Otaibi also revealed that the airport’s control tower—considered among the most advanced globally—was targeted during the recent attack, with damage recorded through audio and video documentation. The incident drew condemnation from the International Civil Aviation Organization. He added that radar and technical systems were quickly repaired through coordinated efforts and leadership support.

Senior officials, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, conducted on-site inspections to assess the damage and commended the level of preparedness and compliance with safety standards. The Civil Aviation Authority, led by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, implemented emergency and security protocols in coordination with multiple agencies, reflecting a high level of institutional cooperation.

Al-Otaibi also acknowledged the role of Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in overseeing readiness efforts, as well as the support of the General Authority of Civil Aviation for facilitating Kuwaiti airline operations through access to Saudi airports. He said such collaboration underscores the importance of Gulf cooperation in maintaining aviation continuity.

Highlighting Kuwait’s long-term ambitions, Al-Otaibi pointed to the country’s advanced infrastructure, including a modern third runway, an upgraded control tower and sophisticated air navigation systems, positioning it as a potential regional aviation hub. He also cited Kuwait’s strategic location and connectivity projects, including links to Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, as key factors supporting its development as a logistics centre.

Looking ahead, he outlined plans to establish a dedicated aviation academy to train national talent, noting the increasing participation of young Kuwaitis in the sector and the need to expand training programmes to meet future demand.

Despite ongoing regional tensions, Al-Otaibi said the security situation remains stable. He advised passengers to follow official guidance, avoid congestion, arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure and refrain from making unnecessary bookings that could disrupt operations.

Source: QCAA NEWS