These are the top airline trends to watch in 2026

A massive 150 million passengers are expected to fly in and out of Africa in 2026.

That's up 6% on last year.

But just what are the likely air travel trends that are likely to emerge in the region and globally over the coming 12 months?

Linden Birns, MD at Plane Talking, explains that there is currently significant investment in the airport and airline 'experience'.

"There's a lot of investment now into mobile app technology to expand the capability and the integration across airlines, airports, borders, hotels, and restaurants."

He gives the example of travelling to watch a soccer tournament and tickets for the event, flights, accommodation and even a meal out being arranged through one app.

"That was something that was proven with the last World Cup and I think a lot of the role players in those supply chains are looking at how they can integrate."

Another area of investment is in how airlines can differentiate onboard products, says Birns, and he's predicting some innovation in the local market here.

"In terms of onboard comfort, if you can have better seating, on a local flight, if there's going to be better amenities."

However, most of this differentiation will be happening in premium ticket classes, which tend to be where much of the investment is focused, he says.

 And will that investment be worth it?

"Globally, the picture's pretty good, but in Africa we're only looking at a collective profit of $200 million."

To listen to Linden Birns in conversation with CapeTalk's John Maytham, click audio below: