African airlines are currently experiencing a notable surge in passenger traffic as ongoing Middle East tensions disrupt major Gulf aviation hubs like Dubai and Doha, forcing travelers to seek alternative routes. Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways have been major beneficiaries of this shift, with Ethiopian Airlines reporting a 110% increase in bookings, leveraging its strategic Addis Ababa hub and hub-and-spoke network connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. Kenya Airways has seen seat occupancy rise to near full capacity, particularly on routes linking Africa to Western markets and Asia, reflecting strong demand for stable travel options outside conflict zones. Both carriers have managed the surge through expanded fleets, operational flexibility, and secured fuel supplies, despite rising costs and the potential volatility of jet fuel markets. This redirection of traffic highlights the growing importance of African aviation hubs in global travel while delivering economic benefits, including increased foreign exchange inflows, tourism growth, and strengthened logistics activity in the region. However, the boost is expected to be temporary, as limited fleet capacity and operational…
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