Tunis-Carthage airport has been ranked 8th in Africa in terms of seat capacity, with 526,444 available seats in August 2026. This ranking is based on data from the Association of African Airlines (AFRAA). The airport has surpassed Lagos, with 483,103 seats, and Marrakech, with 480,112 seats. However, this ranking only reflects the programmed offer and does not necessarily indicate the airport's actual hub power.
The top five airports in Africa by seat capacity are Cairo, with 1,850,926 seats, Addis-Abeba, with 1,251,909 seats, Johannesburg, with 1,148,652 seats, Casablanca, with 803,579 seats, and Algiers, with 676,242 seats. Nairobi and Cape Town occupy the sixth and seventh positions, respectively. Tunis-Carthage's ranking is also influenced by its location in the North African region, which accounts for 41.9% of the continent's total seat capacity.
While Tunis-Carthage's seat capacity is significant, it is essential to consider other factors to determine its actual hub power. These factors include the number of passengers, load factor, number of destinations, transit traffic, and African connectivity. However, data limitations make it challenging to compare Tunis-Carthage with other major airports like Cairo, Addis-Abeba, Johannesburg, or Casablanca.
The African aviation market is experiencing rapid growth, with available seat kilometers (ASK) increasing by 9% in July 2026 compared to the same period last year. However, revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) grew at a slower pace, by approximately 5.8%. This disparity indicates that the industry's capacity growth outpaces demand.
Tunis-Carthage's 8th ranking in Africa by seat capacity is an indicator of its commercial importance and capacity but not necessarily its hub power. The critical question is not how many seats the airport offers but how much connectivity, traffic, and transfers its capacity generates. Further analysis is required to assess the airport's actual influence.
The North African region plays a significant role in Africa's aviation market, accounting for 41.9% of the continent's seat capacity. The region's major airports, including Tunis-Carthage, contribute substantially to this capacity. However, individual airport performance can vary based on factors like passenger traffic and transit connections.
Key statistics highlight Tunis-Carthage's position: 526,444 seats available in August 2026, 8th in Africa, 41.9% of African capacity concentrated in North Africa, 9% increase in ASK in July, and 5.8% growth in RPK over the same period. These numbers provide insight into the airport's capacity but not its full impact as a hub.
Key points
- Tunis-Carthage airport ranks 8th in Africa with 526,444 available seats in August 2026.
- North Africa accounts for 41.9% of the continent's total seat capacity.
- The airport's actual hub power depends on factors beyond seat capacity, including passenger traffic and transit connections.
