Passenger air traffic in Africa in March 2023 reached almost 95% of the pre-pandemic level as per the data released by African Airlines Association (AFRAA). The association estimates airlines will end the year about 10 million short of the full-year 2019 passenger figures. The total is estimated at 85 million.
As per the report, domestic traffic leads the market share at 37% followed by intercontinental traffic at 32% and passenger traffic between African states at 31%.
African airlines have also maintained an achievement higher than pre-pandemic levels. The total number of intercontinental routes operated has been higher than 2019 levels since October 2022.
With the increase in traffic, the AFRAA claims that 2023 is seeing a narrowing of the revenue gaps of airlines compared to the previous year.
For the first quarter of 2023, Africa’s airlines were below the revenue levels seen in the same period in 2019 by $0.3bn. The association expects this to reduce further to $0.2 bn in the Q2.
To support continued recovery and air transport growth, AFRAA is also providing advocacy on airline-blocked funds.
Nigeria currently has $743 million of airline-blocked funds, according to the AFRAA, and is currently ranked the second highest in the world for airline-blocked funds, after Venezuela.
The AFRAA states its survey indicated three of its member airlines have approximately $44.2 million blocked in Nigeria. These member airlines also have a reported total of $88.9 million blocked in 12 African countries at the end of 2022.