African Aviation Soars in May 2026 as easyJet Leads Growth Surge

The African aviation market kept growing steadily in May 2026. Rising passenger numbers, better connectivity, and network recovery pushed demand higher. Competition also intensified as airlines expanded their capacity across the continent. OAG’s latest African Aviation Market Data ranked the top 10 carriers by one-way departing seat capacity for May 2026. The list highlighted shifts in the industry, with no Nigerian airline making the cut this time. Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, had last appeared in sixth place in December 2025.

The sector saw strong rivalry as airlines added more flights and routes. Among the top performers, easyJet stood out with the fastest growth—a 20.0% year-on-year increase. This surge came after the airline opened a permanent base at Marrakech Menara Airport in April 2026, boosting its African presence.

By May 2026, easyJet secured the tenth spot in the rankings, offering 344,293 one-way departing seats. Its expansion reflected broader trends, as airlines responded to higher demand and improved regional links. The May 2026 rankings showed a dynamic market, with easyJet’s growth marking a notable shift. Nigerian carriers, once prominent, were absent from the top 10. Meanwhile, increased capacity and competition reshaped the continent’s aviation landscape.