The number of passengers at Abidjan’s airport has experienced continuous growth since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from 935,130 travelers in 2020 to 2,535,451 passengers by the end of 2024, marking an overall increase of 171.1% between 2020 and 2024. This announcement was made by Coné Dioman, Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Transport, Amadou Koné, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, during the opening of the national consultation workshop for air transport users in Abidjan-Cocody.
Passenger traffic at Abidjan airport in 2024 saw an 8.7% increase compared to 2023, when 2,331,917 passengers were recorded. In terms of connectivity, Dioman highlighted that in 2024, Côte d'Ivoire is directly connected by regular flights to 26 African cities, 4 cities in Asia, one city in North America, and two cities in Europe, all serviced by 23 regular airlines.
Regarding the national carrier Air Côte d'Ivoire, Dioman reported a satisfactory situation with the company achieving financial balance and beginning to enter a phase of profitability. "The national airline, which has shown a positive operating result since 2021, recorded a profit of 658 million CFA francs at the end of the 2023 fiscal year," he stated.
Air Côte d'Ivoire has expanded its destination network and will soon begin long-haul flights, with services to Paris starting in 2025. Dioman also pointed out that domestic traffic is flourishing, with an average of 100,000 passengers annually traveling through airports in the interior of the country.
While acknowledging that air transport in Côte d'Ivoire benefits from good cooperation and synergy between sector stakeholders, Dioman emphasized that, in 2023, the country accounted for only about 1.04% of total African air traffic and 6.81% of West African air traffic.
"It is crucial for us to take a moment to discuss with all stakeholders the national air transport policy, to face the competition, improve connectivity, enhance safety and security, consider environmental issues, and meet the expectations of travelers and the general public," he concluded.