Africa Aviation Trails: Week 14, 2026

Introduction.

Embraer’s latest outlook highlights that Africa’s aviation sector remains significantly underdeveloped despite strong demand growth, with intra-African connectivity still constrained by structural and regulatory barriers. The report notes that Africa accounts for about 18% of the global population but only around 2% of global air traffic, reflecting persistent inefficiencies in how the continent is connected by air. A key issue is the low share of intra-African travel, which remains limited due to a lack of direct routes, forcing many passengers to connect via external hubs in Europe or the Middle East, increasing both travel time and costs. Embraer also points to fragmented bilateral air service agreements, protectionism, and limited liberalisation of markets as major factors suppressing route expansion and frequency increases across the continent. In addition, high operating costs, visa restrictions, and weak hub connectivity continue to discourage airlines from opening new city pairs, leaving many potentially viable routes unserved. 

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Mozambique officially launched Air Gorongosa on 6 April 2026, introducing a rebranded aviation service that evolved from Safari Air to strengthen domestic connectivity and support tourism, conservation, business, and healthcare access. The airline operates a modern fleet including Cessna Grand Caravan and King Air 200 aircraft, enabling operations across remote and underserved regions while linking key urban centres such as Maputo, Beira, and Pemba with tourism and conservation destinations including Gorongosa National Park and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Offering private and scheduled charter services alongside aeromedical and logistics support, Air Gorongosa aims to enhance mobility across the country and improve access to remote areas. 

Gateway Air, the Ogun State–owned airline, has officially commenced domestic operations in Nigeria following its formal commissioning by President Bola Tinubu at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu. The carrier has begun scheduled services using two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft operated in partnership with ValueJet, with initial flights linking key domestic destinations as part of its phased rollout strategy. The launch forms part of Ogun State’s broader aviation development agenda, which also includes expanding passenger connectivity and positioning the Gateway International Airport as a new regional aviation hub supporting both passenger and cargo operations.