For US travelers, flying to Africa has long been synonymous with extended layovers and complex routings, typically via Europe or the Middle East. While these connecting routes remain a viable option, this year marks a shift, as a growing number of airlines are launching nonstop flights from the US to exciting African cities, including perennial favorites and lesser known, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
These new direct flight routes mean less time spent in transit, fewer logistical challenges, and a more seamless travel experience. Now, travelers can board a plane in the US and find themselves in the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Africa within hours. Here’s a roundup of the top new airline routes to Africa, including flights from the US and Europe, along with some incredible places to explore upon landing.
Inaugural service to Dakar, Senegal
On May 23, 2025, United Airlines will inaugurate its new route from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar, Senegal. This service will operate three times weekly, utilizing a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Among Dakar’s most recognizable attractions are the Pink Lake and Gorée Island, offering poignant insights into the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The city also has a thriving arts scene that includes the bustling Marché Sandaga, the IFAN Museum of African Arts, and Dak’Art, an international biennale exhibition of contemporary African art.
From Atlanta to Accra with Delta
Delta Air Lines is launching a new seasonal, daily service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana. Serviced by the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo, the route will begin on December 1, 2025.
Accra is brimming with history and culture. One must-visit is Makola Market, among the largest open-air markets in West Africa. Within a few hours' drive are other notable sites, including the hanging bridges of Kakum National Park, Boti Waterfalls, and Elmina Castle, a major port on the trans-Atlantic slave trade, dating back to 1482.
Two new routes from the US to Marrakech
When Delta Air Lines launches its inaugural flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) on October 25, 2025, it will join United Airlines as one of only two US carriers serving Morocco. Delta’s route will operate three times weekly aboard Boeing 767-400ER aircraft, while United, which launched its service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on October 25, 2024, operates three times per week on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Travelers to Marrakech should not miss the opportunity to explore the city's main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, and the Medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with colorful souks selling everything from Moroccan Argan oil to babouche leather slippers. The city’s artisanal heritage is on full display at architectural landmarks like Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Jardin Majorelle; Art enthusiasts can continue on to the recently renovated Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden. Book a stay in any number of the beautiful riads in Marrakech for easy access to the city center.
A seasonal route between JFK and Lagos
Delta Air Lines recently began a seasonal service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos, Nigeria. This daily winter route, operated using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, complements Delta's existing flights from Atlanta.
Lagos, the gateway to Africa’s most populous country, boasts a dynamic array of attractions. For outdoor experiences, head to Lekki Conservation Centre or unwind on Tarkwa Bay Beach. Lagos also stands at the forefront of the entertainment world with "Nollywood," its renowned film industry, and a burgeoning Afrobeats music scene that has captured global attention.
Paris to Tanzania with Air France
Air France's introduction of thrice-weekly flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in November 2024 marks a significant expansion of the airline’s international routes to Africa. Operated on an Airbus A350-900, this flight offers another accessible way to reach Tanzania's natural splendors, including Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
For travelers looking to enhance their safari adventure with a tropical escape, this route also connects to Zanzibar, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Travelers seeking an exclusive luxury stay can check into andBeyond Mnemba Island, a private island located off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, which recently reopened following a ten-month renovation.
Budget-friendly flights to Cape Verde
On March 31, 2025, budget carrier EasyJet launched its first sub-Saharan Africa service, with flights three times per week from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Sal, Cape Verde (SID). Operated using the Airbus A320neo, this new route enables travelers departing from London to reach the stunning island archipelago in approximately six hours.
Sal is renowned for its vast desert dunes, popular for quad-biking adventures. Given its prime location along the Atlantic Ocean, the island is also an excellent place for boat trips and sailing adventures. Travelers looking for a convenient way to visit the archipelago can embark on a weeklong cruise with companies like Variety Cruises, which visits six of the archipelago’s nine inhabited islands.
A convenient route to Namibia
Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, recently launched a new flight to Namibia on April 1, 2025. This thrice-weekly nonstop service connects Munich International Airport (MUC) to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). With this addition, US passengers traveling from Orlando to Munich—thanks to the airline's new nonstop route introduced in March 2025—can bypass lengthy layovers and dive straight into Namibia’s otherworldly landscapes.
Travelers to Namibia can traverse the towering, red dunes of the Namib Desert, explore the desolate Skeleton Coast, and witness the incredible wildlife of Etosha National Park. Luxury safari-style hotels, such as Shipwreck Lodge, Desert Whisper, and Desert Rhino Camp, ensure that travelers enjoy the utmost comfort while being immersed in the country’s untamed beauty.
