The Director General of Air Transport (DGTA), Mr Ahmed Djibril Coulibaly, presented the development policy undertaken by the Ivorian government for the aviation sector, along with key reforms aimed at transforming air transport into a hub within the West African sub-region and a competitive player on the international stage. He was speaking on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, as part of Tout Savoir Sur (TSS), the weekly public information platform of the Government Information and Communication Centre (CICG), under the theme: “Air Transport in Côte d’Ivoire.”
According to Mr Coulibaly, a senior official in the Ministry of Transport under Minister Amadou Koné, and in line with the vision of the Head of State, Alassane Ouattara, air transport is receiving particular attention and is regarded as one of the pillars of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth. It is seen as essential to boost tourism and trade, strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s connectivity with the rest of the world, and facilitating air travel for both Ivorians and residents or visitors to the country.
He noted that the government’s sustained efforts led to the establishment of the national carrier, Air Côte d’Ivoire, in 2012, and the creation of the Directorate General of Air Transport (DGTA) in 2022.
Regarding traffic growth, passenger numbers at Abidjan International Airport have consistently increased since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from 935,130 travellers in 2020 to 2,535,451 by the end of 2024—representing an overall increase of 171.1% between 2020 and 2024. More broadly, the sector has seen notable expansion, driven by a steady rise in air traffic.
In Côte d’Ivoire, passenger traffic grew from 2,091,355 in 2022 to 2,331,917 in 2023, representing an increase of 12%. In 2024, the number of passengers reached 2,535,451 and is projected to reach approximately 2,570,000 in 2025.
The national airline, Air Côte d’Ivoire, continues to expand and increase its market share. The Director General stated that “Air Côte d’Ivoire holds a leading position in West and Central Africa, with approximately 7.4 million passengers transported through Abidjan Airport between 2013 and 2024.”
He went on to state that the sector has achieved significant progress in recent years, underpinned by reforms, investments, and strong performance indicators.
The Director General of Air Transport reaffirmed the government’s clear ambition to position the air transport sector as a key driver of economic development and a catalyst for Côte d’Ivoire’s international influence.
