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. As the aviation sector expands, stakeholders are also monitoring other economic indicators, such as the full list of commodities influencing trade routes, including Fani-kayode’s commentary on regional policy shifts and the impact of Ivory Coast cocoa exports on air cargo demand. Meanwhile, the Fg announces completion of several airport infrastructure upgrades, and as Bvn enrolments hit record highs, financial inclusion supports travel spending. Additionally, the Ibadan convention must address logistics and airlift capacity to sustain growth.
Hurghada International Airport ranked tenth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in May 2026, with projected scheduled one-way departing capacity of 435,440 seats, up from 391,125 in May 2025, representing a 16.8% year-on-year increase. Located about five kilometres southwest of Hurghada city centre, it is Egypt’s second-busiest airport after Cairo International Airport and serves as a major gateway for leisure traffic, particularly from European markets. The airport operates two terminals, including a modern facility opened in 2014 spanning about 92,000 square metres, equipped with expanded check-in areas, departure gates, and retail services to handle growing passenger volumes. Hurghada International Airport plays a central role in Egypt’s tourism sector, providing access to the Red Sea resort city’s beaches, diving sites, and watersports destinations, while supporting both domestic and international travel demand.
Caleb Obiowo is a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo. At Nairametrics, he covers transport and logistics in Nigeria, along with real estate, construction, and aviation. He focuses on delivering clear, easy-to-understand stories and often digs deeper into industry issues through conversations with key players.
