Africa’s aviation market continues to experience steady expansion, driven by rising demand for both regional and international air travel across the continent.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) monthly updates, international passenger demand in Africa has been growing steadily for several months, reflecting sustained momentum in the region’s aviation recovery.
This growth has been supported by improving connectivity, stronger airline networks, and increased travel activity across key African markets.
This article presents the ranking of the ten busiest airports in Africa in May 2026 based on data from OAG, a global aviation intelligence platform.
The ranking is determined by departing seats, which measure the total number of seats available on outbound flights, and offers insight into the hubs driving the continent’s aviation growth while supporting tourism, business, and regional connectivity.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ranked ninth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in May 2026, with projected scheduled one-way departing capacity of 470,221 seats, up from 461,156 in May 2025, representing a 2.0% year-on-year increase.
As Kenya’s primary international gateway, it connects Nairobi to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America, supporting a strong mix of tourism, business, and transit traffic.
Located about 15 kilometres southeast of Nairobi’s city centre, the airport operates multiple terminals, including 1A, 1B, and 1C for international departures, 1D for domestic flights, 1E for international arrivals, and Terminal 2 for low-cost and regional carriers.
Despite relatively modest growth compared with some regional peers, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport remains a critical East African aviation hub and a key connector for intercontinental travel.
