Africa’s aviation sector continues to grow, supported by rising passenger demand, stronger regional connectivity, and recovery in domestic and international markets.
According to OAG, a global aviation data provider, Africa’s aviation market recorded broad-based growth in April 2026, with total airline capacity measured as available seats on scheduled flights rising 5.2% year on year to 23.9 million seats.
International capacity accounted for 77% of total seats and grew by 3.9% compared to April 2025, while domestic capacity increased by 9.9%, reflecting stronger intra-African demand.
Mainline carriers held a 79% market share, growing 4.5% year on year, while low-cost carriers rose faster by 8.2% to 5 million seats.
This ranking of the Top 10 African countries by total airline capacity in April 2026 is based on OAG data and reflects available seat supply across both domestic and international operations in Africa’s aviation market.
Kenya ranks seventh in Africa for airline capacity in April 2026, with 826,402 seats. This represents a 3.30% increase from 800,402 seats in April 2025.
The market is driven by rising demand for domestic and regional air travel, supported by tourism growth, business travel, and improving infrastructure. The expansion of low-cost carriers has also increased competition and improved accessibility across key routes.
Capacity is anchored by the national carrier, Kenya Airways, alongside domestic and regional operators such as Jambojet and Fly540, which serve growing intra-African demand.
Kenya’s aviation network is supported by major airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport, which handle both international and domestic traffic and reinforce the country’s role as a regional aviation hub in East Africa.
