In 2023, the East African Community (EAC) made key strides toward operationalizing a common aviation market—a long-standing ambition to boost air connectivity, reduce travel costs, and strengthen economic integration across member states. While challenges remain, recent policy actions and collaborative efforts point to steady progress in transforming the region’s fragmented skies into a seamless airspace.
The idea of a unified aviation market in East Africa is rooted in the EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) Strategic Plan and aligned with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). A common aviation market promises benefits such as more competitive fares, expanded intra-EAC air services, and better utilization of regional airline networks.
Despite broad political support, the project has faced slow implementation due to regulatory disparities, protectionist policies, and limited technical capacity in some member states.
However, 2023 marked a shift in momentum, with EAC states renewing their commitment through joint declarations and actionable timelines.
Key Developments in 2023
- Regulatory Harmonization: The EAC Civil Aviation Technical Committee adopted a revised version of the EAC Model Air Services Agreement, which establishes uniform rules for route allocation, competition, and market access. This aligns national regulations with international standards, creating a more predictable business environment for airlines.
- Mutual Recognition of Licenses: Member states agreed to fast-track mutual recognition of air operator certificates (AOCs), pilot licenses, and maintenance certifications. This move reduces administrative burdens for airlines seeking to operate across borders.
- Joint Airspace Management Framework: The EAC began piloting a regional air traffic control coordination program, with Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda initiating real-time data sharing for upper airspace operations. The goal is to reduce fragmentation and improve traffic flow across the region.
- Passenger Rights Charter: A draft East African Passenger Rights Charter was tabled for approval. Once adopted, it will ensure travelers enjoy uniform protections for flight delays, cancellations, and lost baggage—boosting consumer confidence.
- Regional Airline Cooperation: National carriers including Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania, and RwandAir explored interline agreements and codeshares. These arrangements help extend network reach without duplicating routes.
- Infrastructure Support: The African Development Bank committed $100 million in concessional loans to improve airport capacity and navigation systems in the region’s secondary airports, supporting equitable market access.
Benefits and Early Results
The EAC’s renewed push began to bear fruit by the end of 2023. For instance, airlines operating between Nairobi, Entebbe, and Kigali reported improved scheduling flexibility and reduced ground delays due to the air traffic management collaboration. Regional carriers saw a modest rise in passenger numbers, attributed to better connectivity and service coordination.
Tourism boards across the EAC noted increased bookings for multi-country itineraries, and logistics operators benefited from faster clearance of cargo flights operating on shared permits.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, several obstacles still hinder full implementation:
- Sovereignty Concerns: Some states remain cautious about ceding control over airspace and regulatory authority, slowing down decision-making at the regional level.
- Bilateral Conflicts: Disputes over landing rights and route frequencies continue to emerge, often driven by domestic carrier protectionism.
- Funding and Capacity Gaps: Smaller states lack the technical and institutional capacity to implement complex aviation reforms at the same pace as larger members.
- Private Sector Engagement: Independent airlines and stakeholders complain of being excluded from key discussions, which could affect industry-wide buy-in.
To overcome these hurdles, the EAC Secretariat has proposed regular high-level ministerial meetings, capacity-building workshops, and stakeholder roundtables to maintain momentum and address concerns.
Conclusion
In 2023, the EAC’s efforts to build a unified aviation market moved from rhetoric to action. Though still a work in progress, the foundation laid this year—through harmonized regulations, regional cooperation, and infrastructure support—brings East Africa closer to a liberalized and efficient air transport system. Success will depend on sustained political will, trust-building among states, and meaningful inclusion of all aviation stakeholders.
