The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has published its H1 2026 Domestic Air Transport Report, revealing the busiest domestic airports across the African continent. According to the report, Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport retained its position as the leading domestic hub, handling more than 9.2 million passengers in the first six months of the year.
The report monitored domestic passenger movements across member states, covering both commercial and charter operations. Overall, the top 15 airports combined served over 65 million passengers, reflecting a 12.4% growth compared with the same period in 2025. This surge is attributed to expanded route networks, improved regional connectivity, and the continued recovery of African aviation after years of turbulence.
The Top 15 Busiest Domestic Airports in Africa
Below is the full ranking based on total domestic passenger traffic in H1 2026, as compiled by AFRAA:
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (South Africa) – 9.2 million
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Nigeria) – 7.8 million
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya) – 6.5 million
- Bole International Airport (Ethiopia) – 5.9 million
- Cairo International Airport (Egypt) – 5.1 million
- Cape Town International Airport (South Africa) – 4.7 million
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Nigeria) – 4.2 million
- King Shaka International Airport (South Africa) – 3.8 million
- Port Harcourt International Airport (Nigeria) – 3.3 million
- Houari Boumediene Airport (Algeria) – 2.9 million
- Mohammed V International Airport (Morocco) – 2.7 million
- Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Nigeria) – 2.4 million
- Moi International Airport (Kenya) – 2.1 million
- Tunis Carthage International Airport (Tunisia) – 1.9 million
- Ndjili International Airport (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – 1.7 million
This ranking highlights the growing importance of domestic air travel in Africa’s economic development, with Nigeria and South Africa leading in airport infrastructure and route density. The report notes that domestic air travel now accounts for roughly 45% of total air traffic on the continent, up from 38% a decade ago.
South Africa’s Dominance Continues
South Africa remains the region’s strongest domestic aviation market, with three airports in the top eight. O.R. Tambo’s commanding lead is supported by frequent shuttle services to Cape Town, Durban, and Lanseria, alongside feeder routes to smaller carriers. Cape Town International and King Shaka have also experienced robust growth, fueled by tourism and business travel within the “Big Three” metros.
The country’s domestic market has benefited from relaxed visa regimes and the growing appeal of intra-African tourism. According to AFRAA, the Johannesburg–Cape Town route remains the busiest domestic corridor on the continent, with over 4 million passengers in H1 2026 alone.
Nigeria’s Airports Rise in Rankings
Nigeria has cemented its position as the second-largest domestic aviation market in Africa, with four airports in the top 15. Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos leads the country, handling 7.8 million passengers, closely followed by Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport with 4.2 million. Port Harcourt and Kano also recorded significant volumes, demonstrating the expansion of domestic connectivity across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) attributed the growth to increased frequency by domestic carriers such as Air Peace, Dana Air, and Ibom Air, as well as improved airport infrastructure and security at major terminals. The government’s commitment to modernizing regional airports has also played a key role in boosting passenger confidence.
East Africa Shows Strong Momentum
Kenya and Ethiopia continue to strengthen their positions as East Africa’s aviation gateways. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi recorded 6.5 million domestic passengers, while Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa followed closely with 5.9 million. Although Addis Ababa is better known for its extensive international network, its domestic routes to cities like Bahir Dar, Hawassa, and Dire Dawa have grown impressively.
Moi International Airport in Mombasa also featured on the list, underscoring the coastal city’s importance as a leisure and business destination. The report attributed the regional upswing to the growth of low-cost carriers and increased investment in regional connectivity projects under the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
North and Central Africa Show Steady Performance
North African airports continue to play a significant role, with Cairo, Algiers, Casablanca, and Tunis making the top 15. Cairo International remained the busiest hub in the region, driven by its dense domestic network linking the Nile Delta counties. Algeria’s Houari Boumediene and Morocco’s Mohammed V airports also posted steady numbers, facilitated by strong subsidized domestic routes and growing tourism demand.
Central Africa was represented by Ndjili International Airport in Kinshasa, which handled 1.7 million domestic passengers. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s vast geography and underdeveloped road network make air transport a vital mode of connectivity, and the report notes that the government is working with airlines to expand capacity.
Key Trends and Outlook for the Second Half
AFRAA’s H1 2026 analysis shows that the domestic aviation market in Africa is diversifying, with more secondary cities gaining direct air links. Low-cost carriers are increasingly challenging legacy airlines, leading to more affordable fares and higher load factors. The removal of historical restrictions on air services between African countries under SAATM is expected to accelerate this trend.
In the second half of 2026, the association projects that domestic passenger traffic could exceed 130 million for the full year, representing a new record. Airport congestion remains a concern in Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, prompting authorities to accelerate capacity expansion projects. The report advises that African governments need to invest in terminal upgrades, ground handling systems, and digital processes to sustain this growth.
Overall, the H1 2026 domestic airport rankings reflect a resilient and rapidly evolving African aviation sector. Whether it is the business traveler hopping between Lagos and Abuja or the tourist flying from Nairobi to Mombasa, the demand for efficient domestic air services is proving to be one of the continent’s most powerful economic engines.
