As the festive season takes hold, airports across Africa are shifting into high gear. From families reuniting and diaspora travellers returning home to end-of-year escapes and business trips wrapped around the holidays, December is one of the continent’s busiest months for air travel.
A collection of aircraft at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport/FrogsLegs71/Wikimedia Commons
New data from aviation analytics firm OAG reveals which airports carried the most departing passenger seats in December 2025, offering a snapshot of how and where Africa was moving as the year drew to a close.
While growth was seen across the board, a handful of major hubs continued to shoulder a disproportionate share of passenger traffic, reinforcing their role as the backbone of African aviation.
Cairo holds its crown as Africa’s busiest airport
Cairo International Airport once again topped the list as Africa’s busiest airport by departing seats. In December 2025, the airport handled approximately 1.7 million one-way departing seats, marking a 7.8% increase compared with December last year.
The figures cement Egypt’s position as Africa’s largest aviation market, driven by strong international demand and seasonal travel linked to family visits and religious holidays.
Johannesburg and Addis Ababa remain continental connectors
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport followed Cairo closely, underlining their importance as global connection points for African travellers.
Both airports continue to play a vital role in linking the continent to Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, while also supporting dense regional and domestic networks across Southern and East Africa.
Morocco’s airports show standout growth
Morocco emerged as one of the most dynamic aviation markets this December. While not yet matching the scale of Africa’s largest hubs, Casablanca and Marrakech recorded some of the fastest growth among the top ten airports.
The expansion reflects sustained tourism demand into North Africa, particularly from Europe, as airlines added capacity to meet seasonal travel peaks.
Table: Olamilekan Okebiorun/Source: OAG/Get the data/Created with Datawrapper
Nairobi enters a consolidation phase
In contrast, capacity at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport remained largely flat year on year. Rather than signalling decline, the figures point to a period of consolidation as airlines focus on stabilising routes and yields after several years of rapid change.
How airline capacity is shifting across Africa
Beyond individual airports, the data shows steady overall growth in African air travel. Total scheduled departing seats across the continent reached 25.2 million in December 2025, a 6.8% increase compared with the same month in 2024.
International travel continued to dominate, accounting for 77% of total capacity. International seats rose by 7.6% year on year, highlighting the ongoing importance of cross-border and long-haul routes for African aviation.
Domestic travel grew more modestly, with capacity increasing by 4.4%, reflecting uneven recovery patterns within different countries.
Low-cost airlines gain ground
Mainline carriers still supplied nearly four-fifths of Africa’s total seat capacity, but low-cost airlines were the fastest-growing segment. Low-cost capacity expanded by 9.9% year on year to reach 5.2 million seats, signalling increased price sensitivity among travellers and a gradual shift in flying habits.
Egypt leads, Tanzania surges
At a country level, Egypt retained its status as Africa’s largest aviation market, with around 3 million seats scheduled in December alone.
Tanzania recorded the fastest growth on the continent, with capacity jumping by 20.1%, followed by Morocco and Algeria. In each case, tourism-led demand played a central role in driving airline scheduling decisions.
A continent on the move, thoughtfully
Africa’s busiest airports tell a story of steady, deliberate movement rather than unchecked expansion. Established hubs continue to anchor the network, while select destinations grow quietly in response to holiday travel, tourism demand and diaspora returns.
This festive season, Africa’s airports were more than just transit points. They became gateways to family reunions, homecomings and shared celebrations, reflecting a continent travelling with care, continuity and connection.
Source: Business Insider Africa
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: 4 festive-day safaris perfect for kids and first-time safari-goers
