What's Happening?
Aviation analytics firm OAG has released new data showing how airlines in Africa have adjusted their capacity for December 2025, a peak travel period. The data, based on one-way departing seats, indicates
that airlines are focusing on reliability and route consistency rather than aggressive expansion. Ethiopian Airlines remains the largest airline in Africa by scheduled seat capacity, deploying over two million departing seats for the month. This reflects a strategy focused on network depth and frequency during high-demand periods. Other airlines, such as Safair and Airlink, have increased capacity to meet holiday travel demand within South Africa. EgyptAir and Royal Air Maroc have also expanded their seat offerings in response to seasonal tourism and diaspora travel. Notably, South African Airways has shown the fastest growth among the top ten airlines, with a 33.5% increase in capacity year-on-year, indicating a cautious re-engagement with peak travel demand.
Why It's Important?
The adjustments in airline capacity during December 2025 highlight the strategic planning required to balance peak passenger volumes with operational constraints. This period is crucial for airlines as it coincides with the festive season, which typically sees increased travel demand. The data underscores the importance of Africa in global travel networks, with international airlines like Emirates and Ryanair also featuring prominently in the schedules. The capacity changes reflect broader economic confidence and travel demand, suggesting a recovery in tourism and business travel. The growth of airlines like South African Airways and Royal Air Maroc points to a reshaping of regional competition, which could have long-term implications for the aviation industry in Africa.
What's Next?
As airlines continue to adjust their strategies, the focus will likely remain on maintaining reliability and meeting demand during peak travel periods. The ongoing recovery of airlines like South African Airways suggests that there may be further capacity increases in the future, particularly if economic conditions continue to improve. Additionally, the role of African airlines in connecting the continent with global markets may expand, especially as international travel resumes more fully. Stakeholders in the aviation industry will be closely monitoring these developments to assess their impact on market dynamics and competition.
