Ivorian air transport: sustained growth towards the status of a regional hub.

Since the lifting of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger traffic at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan has shown remarkable growth. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of travelers surged from 935,130 to 2,535,451, representing an impressive increase of 171.1%. This performance was praised by Mr. Coné Dioman, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Transport, during the opening of the national consultation workshop for air transport users, held on January 23, 2025, in Abidjan-Cocody. In 2024, passenger traffic experienced an annual growth of 8.7%, compared to the 2,331,917 travelers recorded in 2023. This growth reflects the continuous improvement of the country's air connectivity, which now benefits from regular direct links to 26 African cities, 4 Asian destinations, one in North America, and two in Europe, operated by 23 international airlines. Furthermore, the national airline Air Côte d'Ivoire is showing remarkable performance, consolidating its strategic position in the regional market and beginning its international development. Since 2021, it has reported positive operating results, and for the 2023 fiscal year, it recorded a net profit of 658 million FCFA, thus consolidating its financial balance. At the end of the 2023 fiscal year, Air Côte d'Ivoire achieved a net profit of 658 million FCFA. With this financial stability, the airline is expanding its network of destinations and preparing to launch its first long-haul flights to Paris in 2025, marking a key milestone in its growth strategy. Domestic traffic, for its part, is experiencing notable growth, with an annual average of 100,000 passengers at regional airports, reflecting the growing role of air transport in structuring the territory and opening up regions. Despite these advances, Côte d'Ivoire's share of African air traffic remains modest, representing only 1.04% of continental traffic and 6.81% of West African traffic in 2023. Aware of these challenges, the government is working to implement an ambitious national policy aimed at improving the competitiveness of the sector, enhancing safety and security, integrating environmental issues, and meeting the growing expectations of travelers. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to position Côte d'Ivoire as a key air hub in West Africa. With enhanced connectivity, a national airline in full expansion, and increasing traffic, the country aspires to become a key player in continental air transport while adapting to the demands of a constantly evolving market. *Source: Government Portal Côte d'Ivoire, Web Portal MEPD Editorial Team*