The African aviation market continues to grow, driven by rising passenger demand, expanding route networks, and increased connectivity across domestic, regional, and international destinations.
Airlines operating in Africa range from established local carriers with decades of experience to major international airlines that link the continent with the rest of the world.
This ranking highlights the leading airlines shaping air travel in Africa, showcasing the carriers that provide the most capacity to meet passenger demand in key markets. The list reflects a dynamic and competitive landscape, where a mix of indigenous African airlines and international carriers coexist to offer passengers a wide range of travel options and contribute to the growth of Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
The ranking below, based on one-way departing seats, is sourced from OAG, specifically the African Aviation Market Data as of October 30, 2025, and provides a snapshot of which airlines lead in capacity across the continent.
Air Peace ranks sixth in Africa for one-way departing seats in October 2025, offering 437,974 seats, a 53.4% increase from 285,470 seats in October 2024 — the highest year-on-year growth among the top ten airlines.
Founded in 2013 by Allen Onyema, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace has grown to become Nigeria’s largest carrier, operating an extensive mix of domestic, regional, and international routes.
The airline’s domestic network covers major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, Uyo, and Benin, among others. Its regional services extend to Accra, Douala, Dakar, Lomé, Monrovia, and Banjul, while its international network includes long-haul routes to Johannesburg, Jeddah, and Mumbai.
In 2024, Air Peace launched direct flights from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport, and in October 2025, it commenced a new Abuja–London Heathrow service, further strengthening its international presence.
