Flights within a continent are supposed to be fair if not cheap, at least that’s what it should be, but in Africa it’s the opposite. You’d rather go to Maldives for that vacation than travel south to Zambia’s Victoria Falls.
Then I came across this post by Justin Norman, the host of The Flip, a media platform amplifying African entrepreneurship and innovation. His work often highlights how local challenges, like air travel costs, connect to broader continental and global issues.
That’s why I think this is a topic worth looking at more closely. His perspective sparked me to dig into the data and examples below, to show how widespread and costly the problem has become.
Just to put this in context, Africa contributes only 2% to global flights despite holding nearly a fifth of the world’s population. Flying is still seen as a luxury here, not a norm.
That’s why the popular phrase “we’re catching flights, not feelings” often feels more aspirational than practical, because for many Africans, the cost of catching that flight is out of reach.
The Intra-African Airfare Problem: Why Prices Don’t Add Up
Take this example. A one-way ticket from Nairobi to Lagos can cost over Kes 120,000 (about USD 900). A flight from Nairobi to Dubai, which is longer, might cost around Kes 90,000 (about USD 675). The shorter flight is more expensive.
Distance usually determines price. Shorter flights should cost less. In Africa, the opposite often happens. The mismatch points to deeper problems in the aviation sector.
This raises an important question: what exactly makes air travel within Africa so costly?
Why Intra-African Flights Are So Expensive
Limited competition and few direct flights
Few airlines connect African cities directly. Passengers are often routed through Europe or the Middle East, which adds time and cost. On the limited direct routes available, airlines charge more to cover high operating costs.
High airport taxes and fees
In many countries, airport charges are higher than the base fare. Governments impose heavy taxes, and airlines pass these directly onto passengers. In some cases, fees make up more than half the ticket price.
Expensive fuel and operations
Jet fuel costs up to 40% more in Africa than the global average. Limited refining capacity, supply chain inefficiencies, and inflation all play a role.
Insurance and currency risks
Airlines in Africa face high insurance premiums due to perceived regional risks. On top of that, revenue is often collected in local currencies but expenses are paid in US dollars, creating exposure to currency swings.
Poor connectivity
Many African destinations still lack direct links. Travelers often endure stopovers in foreign hubs. This adds time and operational cost, making intra-African trips pricier than intercontinental ones.
Why Long-Haul Flights to Other Continents Can Be Cheaper
Global carriers like Emirates and Turkish Airlines run hub-and-spoke systems. They fill large planes with passengers from many routes, spreading costs and driving down prices.
They also compete aggressively for African travelers, offering cheaper fares to international hubs than what many African airlines charge within the continent.
Their size and scale allow them to fill wide‑body planes, spread fixed costs over thousands of passengers, and negotiate lower fuel and airport charges. This means a long‑haul flight to Europe or the Middle East can be priced lower than a shorter trip between two African capitals.
The Impact of High Airfares on Africa’s Growth
High intra-African airfares discourage tourism. A South African may find it cheaper to holiday in Thailand than in Kenya.
Trade and business suffer too. A Kenyan flower farmer shipping to Ghana pays more than when exporting to Europe. Conferences and cross-border meetings become less frequent, holding back economic integration.
Cultural exchange also stalls. As one Nairobi-based tech entrepreneur put it, “I want to visit hubs like Botswana and Nigeria, but the costs make it impossible.”
Opening Africa’s Skies: Possible Solutions
Africa has debated opening its skies since 1999, when governments signed the Yamoussoukro Decision. The latest initiative, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), now covers 34 countries, representing more than 80% of the continent’s aviation market.
If fully implemented, SAATM would expand routes, increase competition, and cut costs.
Airlines like Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, and RwandAir are backing the effort. Low-cost carriers and regional hubs could also play a role in making flying across Africa more accessible.
Will Intra-African Travel Ever Become Affordable?
Flying across Africa shouldn’t cost more than flying out of it. Until the continent fully opens its skies and tackles taxes, fuel costs, and poor connectivity, traveling within Africa will remain a luxury.
Have you faced sky-high ticket prices when flying within Africa? Share your story.
The dream of a connected Africa is possible, but right now it’s still grounded.
