Ivory Coast has eight (8) airports, including one (1) international airport (Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport in Abidjan) and seven (7) national airports (Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, Man, Korhogo, San Pedro, Daloa, and Odienné).

The national airline "Air Côte d'Ivoire" strengthened its fleet in the first half of 2024 with two Airbus A319s. As of the end of September 2024, it operates a total fleet of twelve (12) modern and comfortable aircraft, consisting of 04 Bombardier Q400s, 03 Airbus A320s, and 05 Airbus A319s. It serves six (06) domestic destinations and twenty (20) international destinations, including the Abidjan-Casablanca route, which has been operational since May 7, 2024.

The numerous investments made (rehabilitation and construction of infrastructure, acquisition of equipment) have earned Ivory Coast the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) certification, which allowed for the opening of a direct route to the USA since May 13, 2018, in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines. Additionally, Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport in Abidjan received the 4+ level certification for carbon accreditation in May 2024, indicating its effective management of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, to expand domestic traffic, the construction of two (02) airports is underway in the cities of Kong and Séguéla.

As of December 31, 2023, 22 international airlines serve the country, including: Air France, Corsair, Royal Air Maroc, Emirates Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Tap Air Portugal. Passenger traffic at Abidjan airport increased from 961,643 in 2012 to 2,271,700 in 2019, thanks to rehabilitation, modernization, and development efforts. However, due to the impacts of COVID-19, it dropped to 935,130 in 2020. A gradual recovery has been observed since 2021, with total passenger traffic reaching 2,331,917, including 77,231 on domestic flights in 2023.

Source : Ministry of Transport ; AERIA

Passenger traffic evolution at Abidjan airport

Source : Ministry of Transport ; AERIA

In terms of prospects, the following is planned:

• the continuation of the modernization and expansion of Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport;

• the continuation of the construction of the aerocity on 3,700 ha around Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, including hotel, industrial, residential, and commercial complexes;

• the creation of an international airport in San Pedro and its aerocity;

• the certification of the airports in Yamoussoukro and Bouaké;

• the creation of an airfield in Bondoukou;

• the continued strengthening of the Air Côte d'Ivoire fleet;

• the rehabilitation of the airports in Odienné and Man;

• the launch of the long-haul route Abidjan-Paris.