AIR Peace experienced the largest increase in scheduled airline seats in Africa in July 2026, adding approximately 121,000 seats compared to July 2025. This 50.6% year-on-year growth is noted as the highest capacity gain among major airlines on the continent, according to OAG’s OAG’s latest African aviation market report.
The increase reinstated Air Peace in OAG’s ranking of Africa’s 10 largest airlines by scheduled capacity after its absence for several months.
During the period, the airline had the largest increase in scheduled seats but ranked 10th overall, with a total capacity of approximately 360,000 seats.
In July 2026, Air Peace enhanced its capacity by adding 121,000 scheduled seats, marking a 50.6% rise year-on-year. Royal Air Maroc followed with an increase of 120,100 seats, reflecting a 16.4% growth. Ethiopian Airlines remained Africa’s largest carrier, operating 2.1 million scheduled seats, a 12.1% increase and an additional 230,000 seats compared to the previous year.
Africa’s aviation market showed year-on-year growth in July 2026, with both international and domestic services expanding. Nigeria was the fastest-growing market among Africa’s largest aviation sectors.
Total scheduled airline capacity in Africa rose by 7.5% annually to 26.3 million seats, with international services making up 79% of this capacity. International seat capacity increased by 6.6%, whereas domestic capacity grew at a higher rate of 11.1%.
North Africa is identified as Africa’s largest aviation market, whereas West and Central Africa are experiencing the fastest growth in the sector.
Nigeria’s scheduled airline capacity increased by 44.5% year on year, reaching 1.22 million seats, driven by a 54.8% rise in domestic capacity to 921,100 seats.
Egypt led Africa’s aviation market in July 2026 with 2.9 million scheduled seats. Nigeria ranked fifth, following Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, and Ethiopia, while Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana rounded out the top 10.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size and network, has expanded its fleet to enhance capacity. New additions include a Boeing 737-700 in November 2025, a Boeing 737-800 in May 2026, and an Embraer 190 in June 2026. United Nigeria Airlines also recently acquired a Boeing 737-800. This increase in aircraft aims to meet rising passenger demand and improve connectivity across domestic and regional markets.