Air travel in Africa has long been seen as a privilege of the wealthy. Despite being home to some of the fastest-growing economies and a flourishing middle class, the cost of flying in Africa remains one of the highest globally.
But why is this the case, and will air travel become more accessible for the average African traveler? In this article, Kendirita Tours will seek to address these pertinent questions and shed some light on their possible resolution.
Challenges Driving High Air Travel Costs in Africa
- Limited competition
Many African countries are served by only a handful of airlines, especially on domestic routes. The lack of competition leads to monopolistic pricing, with airlines charging premiums even for short-haul (less than 3 hours) flights. - High operational costs
Airlines in Africa contend with some of the highest operational costs in the world. These include exorbitant fuel prices, steep airport taxes, and additional charges for air navigation and parking. Jet fuel, for instance, can cost up to 35% more in Africa than in other regions. - Underdeveloped infrastructure
Many airports across the continent are outdated, lacking the capacity to handle modern aviation needs efficiently. This increases airline expenses, which ultimately trickle down to passengers. - Currency volatility
Most aviation costs are denominated in US dollars, and many African currencies are prone to fluctuations. This volatility drives up ticket prices, especially for locally operated airlines. - Fragmented Airspace
Unlike Europe or North America, Africa’s airspace is fragmented. The continent’s airspace is divided along national lines, which often means that flights cannot take the most direct routes. Consequently, airlines have to then pay high fees to fly over multiple neighboring countries, making even short flights disproportionately expensive.
Efforts to Make Flying Accessible
Luckily for our travelers, there are several multi-sector efforts geared towards reducing the cost of airfares, as seen below.
- Emergence of Low-Cost Carriers
Airlines like Safarilink, Skyward Express, and Jambojet have introduced budget-friendly options on popular routes. These airlines offer basic services, making it easier for middle-income travelers to access air travel within Kenya. - Regional Initiatives
Organizations like the African Union and the African Civil Aviation Commission have pushed for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to liberalize airspace and reduce airfares. If fully implemented, it could reduce airfares by up to 35%, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). - Government Subsidies and Domestic Tourism
Some governments have partnered with airlines to promote domestic travel. For example, on occasion, Kenya offers subsidized flights to boost tourism to destinations like the Kenyan coast and Maasai Mara. Keep it Kendirita Tours for timely updates as and when such subsidized flights are announced.
While air travel in Africa still leans towards luxury, progress is being made. With the right policies, investment in infrastructure, and regional cooperation, flying could become a common mode of transport rather than a privilege for the few.
The rise of low-cost carriers, regional initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), and government subsidies are promising steps towards making air travel more affordable for the average African traveler. In the meantime, Kendirita Tours will keep collaborating with airlines to give you both seamless travel and the most competitive rates.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa