AeroTrail

Introduction.

East Africa’s aviation sector faces mounting turbulence as geopolitics and protectionism undermine growth despite open skies initiatives. RwandAir Ltd has been forced to suspend key routes due to DR Congo’s airspace ban, while Uganda Airlines remains blocked from flying to Kigali amid strained bilateral ties. Kenya Airways (KQ) suffers costly detours from Sudan’s airspace closure, raising ticket prices and threatening its cargo lifeline to Europe, while Tanzania airlines EU ban have also disrupted services. In contrast, Ethiopian Airlines has maintained dominance, earning $7.6 billion in 2024/25 despite rerouting challenges, though its reliance on neighbours’ airspace poses risks. Meanwhile, Uganda has yet to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), limiting regional connectivity, while high fares—like $530–$615 for the Entebbe-Nairobi route—reflect excessive taxes and fees. Analysts argue that true liberalization could unlock billions in GDP and thousands of jobs, but entrenched political rivalries and protectionist policies continue to clip the region’s aviation ambitions.

Conferences & Events

The African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Government of Zambia, successfully hosted the SAATM-PIP Airshow in Lusaka on 18–19 August 2025. The event brought together ministers, director generals, CEOs, and industry partners to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to aviation liberalisation, with discussions highlighting investment opportunities in airlines, cargo hubs, and tourism–aviation synergies, alongside a strong call to shift from talk to action. With this momentum, Zambia is positioning itself both as a regional hub and as a SAATM Champion for Southern Africa.