3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 12
Summary
African airlines are reassessing routes and cutting some frequencies as the Iran war drives up jet fuel prices and tightens supply, AFRAA said, warning of fresh risks to the continent’s aviation network.
About one-fifth of global oil and fuel had flowed through the Strait of Hormuz before Iran effectively closed it at the start of the war in February, amplifying Africa’s dependence on imported refined jet fuel.
Fuel already cost African carriers about 17% more than the global average before the war, and AFRAA said fuel now accounts for 30% to 40% of operating costs that many airlines cannot fully pass on to passengers.
Nairobi and Addis Ababa are among hubs facing supply concerns, while airlines increasingly look to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery as Africa pushes for more domestic refining capacity.
Air travel demand in Africa is still projected to grow about 6% annually, but AFRAA said prolonged fuel shocks could erode profitability and weaken regional connectivity.