Conakry Airport passenger traffic jumps 22% as airlines expand routes

Conakry Airport passenger traffic increased 22.2% in the first half of 2026, strengthening Guinea’s efforts to attract international airlines as Air Algérie prepares to launch flights from Algiers and discussions with EgyptAir advance toward a possible 2027 service. 

Conakry Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport handled 545,330 passengers during the six months, compared with 446,335 in the same period last year. The growth is increasing pressure to expand capacity at Guinea’s main aviation gateway as the country seeks a bigger role in regional air transport.

North African routes in focus 

Saïd Oumar Koulibaly, managing director of the Société de Gestion et d’Exploitation des Aéroports de Guinée, said Air Algérie plans to operate three flights weekly between Algiers and Conakry. Discussions with EgyptAir are also under way, with a potential launch during the northern summer 2027 season. 

The proposed routes would give passengers additional connections through North Africa, opening access to wider international networks. For Guinea, attracting carriers from established aviation hubs is part of a broader effort to strengthen air links, support tourism and facilitate business travel as demand for international transport increases. 

Conakry’s growth follows a strong 2025, when the airport processed 957,820 passengers, a 21.4% increase from the previous year. If the current expansion continues, annual traffic could exceed one million passengers for the first time in 2026, marking another milestone for Guinea’s aviation sector.

Airlines expand Conakry operations 

Several international carriers have increased frequencies or capacity serving the Guinean capital, including Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Sénégal, Air Côte d’Ivoire, ASKY Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. Nigeria’s Air Peace also entered the market on Aug. 1, 2026, adding another connection within West Africa. 

The growing airline presence is putting pressure on existing airport infrastructure. Conakry’s passenger terminal was originally designed to accommodate approximately 500,000 passengers annually, a capacity now exceeded by the airport’s passenger volumes, prompting plans for a major expansion.

$3 billion-passenger capacity planned 

Guinea is planning a new 32,000-square-meter passenger terminal designed to handle up to 3 million passengers annually. The wider modernization program includes a new air traffic control tower, additional taxiways, runway improvements, administrative buildings, a fire station and expanded vehicle parking facilities. 

The government signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish partner Albayrak in December 2025 covering financing for the second phase of construction. The investment is expected to provide additional capacity as passenger numbers rise and the airport seeks to accommodate more international airlines. 

Cargo operations are also receiving attention. A new 3,600-square-meter cargo terminal began operating in 2026, with an annual processing capacity of 20,000 metric tons. The facility is intended to improve freight handling and support Guinea’s imports and exports as commercial activity expands.

Airport takes measured expansion approach 

Despite its ambitions to attract more international carriers, SOGEAG is taking a measured approach to airline recruitment while infrastructure projects continue. Its immediate priority is securing additional frequencies and larger aircraft from existing operators, alongside selected new routes that can generate sustainable passenger volumes. 

Asia and South America are among the longer-term markets under consideration for expanded connectivity. However, new routes will depend on sufficient passenger demand, commercially viable operations and connecting traffic, as Guinea seeks to turn rising airport activity into lasting growth for its aviation and tourism industries.