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Book Cheap Flights within Africa

Book cheap flights in Africa with Alternative Airlines

Finding affordable flights within Africa doesn’t have to be complicated. With Alternative Airlines, you can search, compare and book tickets with over 600 global and regional airlines, including smaller carriers not always listed elsewhere.

Why book African flights with us?

  • Choose from hundreds of routes across Africa, from major hubs like Lagos and Nairobi to remote domestic destinations.
  • Split the cost with 20+ flexible payment options including Payflex, PayJustNow and Klarna.
  • Access hard-to-find local airlines, all bookable online in one simple search.

Wherever you're headed - from Cape Town to Casablanca or anywhere in between - Alternative Airlines helps you book easily, affordably and with support that sticks around after you click ‘Book’.

An Ethiopian Airlines plane taking off with landing gear still down

Popular airlines in Africa

We work with over 600 airlines around the world, including many of Africa’s biggest and most trusted. Whether you're flying internationally or taking a quick domestic trip, you can book flights across Africa with ease.

Book flights within Africa with these airlines:

  • Ethiopian Airlines - Africa’s largest airline, based in Addis Ababa, with a vast international and regional network.
  • Kenya Airways - Serving East, Central and Southern Africa, with connections to Europe, Asia and beyond.
  • EgyptAir - The national airline of Egypt, offering flights within North Africa and to major global hubs.
  • Royal Air Maroc - Based in Morocco, this full-service airline connects West Africa with Europe and the Middle East.
  • Fastjet - A low-cost option for domestic and regional travel in Southern Africa.
  • Air Côte d'Ivoire - A growing West African carrier, operating routes across Francophone Africa.
  • South African Airways - Offering both domestic routes and international connections from its Johannesburg hub.

And that’s just a snapshot. We also ticket smaller regional airlines you won’t always find elsewhere online, giving you more choice, better routes and added convenience.

Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Payflex and PayJustNow logos in a line

Pay later for flights within Africa

Booking flights in Africa doesn’t have to mean paying everything upfront. At Alternative Airlines, you can choose to spread the cost with flexible payment options tailored to where you're booking from.

Popular Buy Now Pay Later options available in Africa:

  • Payflex - Available in South Africa, Payflex lets you split your flight cost into four interest-free payments over six weeks.
  • PayJustNow - Another South African option that breaks the cost into three equal, monthly instalments with zero interest.
  • ValU - A trusted Egyptian BNPL solution that offers instalment plans for flights without the need for a credit card.
  • ContactNow - A fast-growing BNPL provider across North Africa, giving travellers more time to pay with full transparency.
  • With Happy Pay, you can book your flight without paying upfront and split the cost into 2 or 3 instalments, making it a flexible option for larger trips or when you need more time to pay.

Please note: PayJustNow, Payflex and Happy Pay are currently only available to residents of South Africa.

A plane at the gate at the airport

Popular airports in Africa

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

O.R. Tambo International Airport, located in Johannesburg, is the largest and busiest airport in South Africa. It's a major hub for both domestic and international flights. You can reach all major cities in South Africa from this airport, making it a good stopover location for travellers on multi-city trips. This airport is primarily served by Airlink, CemAir, FlySafair, LIFT and South African Airways.

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Serving Cairo, this airport is one of the largest in Africa and a key connection point between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Airlines that fly here include EgyptAir (main hub airline), Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Saudia and Ethiopian Airlines.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Based in Nairobi, it’s a major East African hub and the main base for Kenya Airways. Airlines such as Kenya Airways (main hub airline), Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir (direct flights to Cairo), Qatar Airways and Emirates fly into this airport.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

Located in Addis Ababa, this airport is a key transit hub for the continent and the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines with strong regional and international links. Key airlines include Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir (direct flights to Cairo), Qatar Airways and Emirates.

Tips for visiting Africa

Number 1 in a purple circle

Check health requirements

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Carry the right currency of money

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Research experiences before booking

How to book domestic flights within Africa

Booking domestic flights in Africa is straightforward, especially when you know where to look and what to expect. Here’s how to make it easy:

  1. Start your search at Alternative Airlines. Compare flights from over 600 airlines, including all major African airlines. Just enter your cities, dates, and we’ll show you what’s available.
  2. Choose how you want to pay. Book now and spread the cost later with flexible options like PayJustNow, Payflex, Happy Pay and more. You can also pay in your local currency, by card or bank transfer.
  3. Pick your trip type. Whether it’s one-way, round-trip or a multi-city itinerary, our platform lets you build the travel plan that works for you.
  4. Confirm and get flying. Once you’ve picked your flight and payment option, you’ll get instant confirmation - no waiting around.

You can also add bags, seat selection or cancellation protection during checkout. It’s all designed to keep things flexible, clear and under your control.

Ready to book your flights within Africa?

Search and book flights across Africa with hundreds of airlines, flexible ways to pay, and support that sticks with you all the way to take-off.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best airlines to fly with in Africa?

It depends on where you're flying.

Alternative Airlines lets you book with both major and lesser-known African airlines, all in one place.

Can I book domestic flights in Africa online?

Yes, and it's easier than ever. With Alternative Airlines, you can search and book domestic flights within countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and more.

You’ll get access to regional airlines that aren’t always listed on big travel sites, and you can add extras like baggage and seat selection at checkout.

Can I pay later for flights within Africa?

Absolutely! If you’re in South Africa, you can split the cost with Payflex or PayJustNow. Travellers in Egypt can choose ValU and ContactNow, both offering instalment options at checkout.

With over 40 flexible payment methods, Alternative Airlines helps you book now and pay over time.

How far in advance should I book flights within Africa?

For regional flights, booking 2 to 4 weeks in advance can help you find the best fares, especially on popular routes like Nairobi to Johannesburg or Lagos to Accra.

Domestic routes may offer last-minute availability, but booking early gives you more choice and better prices.

Do I need a visa to fly between African countries?

Visa requirements vary depending on your passport and the countries you're travelling between.

Some regions, like ECOWAS in West Africa, allow visa-free travel for member countries. Others may require you to apply in advance.

Always check entry requirements before you book, and consider transit rules if you have stopovers in other countries.

Can I book flights within Africa with Afric Aviation?

Unfortunately, Afric Aviation ceased operations in 2017. However, there are still plenty of other airlines flying within Africa that you can book right here at Alternative Airlines, including Air Peace, LAM Mozambique, Ethiopian Airlines and many more.

What's a good route for a weekend getaway in Africa?

The Johannesburg-to-Durban route is very popular for a weekend getaway. Friday evening departures and Sunday evening returns are one of its most frequent.

The short flight time of just 1 hour and 10 minutes makes it perfect for a quick trip.