Top 10 African countries with the least serviceable airports in 2025

You rarely think about how vital an airport is until you find yourself in a place where the nearest one barely functions.

Airports are more than just travel hubs, they’re lifelines for global commerce, tourism, and economic growth. Nowhere is this potential more critical than in Africa, where air transport can bridge vast distances and unlock regional development.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that Africa will be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next two decades, with annual growth estimated at nearly 5%.

Yet in 2025, not all airports are taking off. Some remain grounded, underperforming, outdated, and barely serviceable.

According to Global Firepower (GFP), South Africa leads the continent with 575 serviceable airports, ranking 13th globally. Kenya follows with 370 airports, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with 272. However, at the other end of the spectrum, Sierra Leone has just 8 serviceable airports, while Eritrea and Benin each have only 10.

A major challenge is ageing infrastructure. Many airports were built decades ago and have seen little to no modernization. Crumbling terminals, unreliable utilities, outdated navigation systems, and deteriorating runways make these facilities unattractive to airlines and travellers alike.

But it’s not just about infrastructure, there is also an economic cause. Many airports operate at a loss, surviving on government subsidies just to stay functional.

Compounding the problem are external factors like conflict, political instability, and environmental challenges such as flooding or heavy fog. These risks deter airlines and investors, further isolating the regions these airports are meant to serve.