Africa’s aviation sector is entering a decisive phase. After decades of underinvestment, fragmented airspace and limited long-haul connectivity, the continent is witnessing renewed momentum driven by infrastructure development, fleet expansion and growing confidence from global carriers. From increased frequencies by international airlines to the emergence of large-scale hub projects, African aviation is no longer defined solely by potential, but by delivery.
At the centre of this transformation sits a familiar yet increasingly dominant player: Ethiopia. The question facing industry observers is no longer whether Africa’s aviation market is growing, but whether Ethiopia is now setting the benchmark for the continent.
Global Airlines Signal Confidence in African Markets
One of the clearest indicators of Africa’s aviation resurgence is the expansion of services by leading international carriers. Qatar Airways’ recent announcement to add seven additional weekly flights to South Africa from February 2026 underlines this trend. The expansion will see increased frequencies to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, bringing the airline’s total South African operations to 42 flights per week.
The move reflects rising passenger demand and strengthens connectivity between Southern Africa and major global markets via Doha’s Hamad International Airport, including Europe, China and the United States. Importantly, this is not an isolated adjustment but part of a broader African strategy. Over the past year, Qatar Airways has expanded partnerships with Kenya Airways, RwandAir and Air Algérie, while also increasing capacity on the strategically significant Doha–Lagos route.
In total, the carrier now operates more than 200 weekly flights to 30 cities across 21 African countries. Such growth suggests a shift in perception: Africa is increasingly viewed not as a marginal market, but as a long-term growth engine within global airline networks.
Ethiopia’s Infrastructure Ambition: Building Africa’s Largest Hub
While international airlines expand into Africa, Ethiopia is pursuing a parallel strategy focused on scale, self-reliance and infrastructure leadership. Construction has officially begun on Bishoftu International Airport, a project that is already being described as the largest aviation development in Africa’s history.
Designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually upon full completion, Bishoftu is intended to become the continent’s primary aviation hub, linking Africa more efficiently with Europe, Asia and the Americas. The project is being developed by Ethiopian Airlines in partnership with the Ethiopian government and is conceived as a fully integrated “Airport City”, incorporating cargo and logistics centres, hotels, commercial districts, maintenance facilities and transport links.
Architecturally, the airport is being designed by UK-based Studio Zaha Hadid Architects. The terminal layout features a central spine inspired by the Great Rift Valley, optimising passenger flow while symbolically reflecting Ethiopia’s geographic position as a continental crossroads. Sustainability is also a core element, with the terminal designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, alongside outdoor green spaces and passenger-focused amenities.
Construction will be phased, with the first stage expected to be operational by 2030, capable of handling approximately 60 million passengers annually. At full build-out, the airport will accommodate parking for up to 270 aircraft, placing it firmly among the world’s largest aviation hubs. This expansion is in addition to the news that the airline has recently ordered nine additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners to meet rising long-haul demand, signalling the expected growth of the airline.
Zimbabwe Signals a Return to Aviation Relevance
Beyond Ethiopia and South Africa, Zimbabwe is also making a renewed push to re-establish itself within the regional and international aviation ecosystem. The country’s national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, has outlined an ambitious five-year strategy aimed at modernising its fleet and restoring network relevance, developed in partnership with the Mutapa Investment Fund. The plan involves an estimated investment of US$775.5 million (approximately €666 million) and represents a significant shift in intent for an airline that has long struggled with ageing aircraft, limited connectivity and operational constraints.
At the heart of the strategy is a fleet renewal programme that will see the acquisition of six new aircraft across different operational segments. Two aircraft are intended to strengthen domestic services, improving accessibility for both local travellers and tourists, while two additional aircraft will focus on rebuilding regional connectivity with neighbouring markets. The plan includes the introduction of two wide-body aircraft dedicated to long-haul international routes. This element is particularly strategic, as it would enable the re-establishment of direct links between Zimbabwe and major global hubs.
A Continental Shift, with Ethiopia Setting the Pace
Africa’s aviation growth remains uneven, and Ethiopia’s success does not diminish the importance of broader continental initiatives. The gradual implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), coupled with growing intra-African connectivity, suggests that the foundations for long-term growth are being laid. Expansion by carriers such as Qatar Airways also reinforces the importance of partnerships in accelerating market maturity.
However, Ethiopia’s combination of infrastructure investment, airline scale and long-term strategic planning increasingly sets it apart. While many African states continue to debate aviation reform, Ethiopia is executing at scale, building capacity not just for today’s demand, but for decades ahead.
