• Benin’s ANAC issues operating permit to Amazone Airlines
• Project aligns with national aviation and tourism ambitions
• Airline will face strong competition and high operating costs

Benin’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) granted an operating license to Amazone Airlines on February 13, 2026. The regulatory approval clears the way for the airline to begin commercial operations.

According to Elisée Dansou, Certification Project Manager at ANAC, the authorization followed an evaluation process that verified compliance with operational procedures, crew and technical staff qualifications, and the implementation of a safety management system meeting current standards.

However, details regarding the company’s ownership structure, initial fleet, and official launch schedule have not yet been disclosed.

Aligned with national aviation and tourism goals

Amazone Airlines reflects the government’s objective to strengthen the country’s air connectivity. In May 2025, President Patrice Talon announced discussions on launching direct flights between Benin and Qatar. At the time, several sources mentioned the creation of Amazone Airlines, with possible cooperation with Qatar Airways.

As early as 2019, Cotonou had expressed ambitions to establish a national carrier. The government announced a 30% stake in Benin Airlines (formerly Air Taxi Benin) to support the acquisition of medium-haul aircraft. That airline later ceased operations.

Some observers believe a national carrier could play a key role in increasing traffic at Cotonou’s Bernardin Gantin International Airport and supporting the country’s tourism strategy. Benin aims to position itself as a regional tourism hub, targeting more than 2 million foreign visitors per year. To support this objective, expansion works were launched in 2019 to triple the airport’s passenger capacity.

A competitive and structurally challenging market

The new airline will operate in a demanding environment. The Benin market is already served by major international carriers including Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air France, and Royal Air Maroc, along with regional operators such as Air Peace, Air Côte d’Ivoire, and ASKY.

Beyond competition, Amazone Airlines will face structural challenges common to Africa’s aviation sector. These include high operating costs, partly linked to lower load factors (73.4% in Africa in December 2025 compared with a global average of 83.7%), expensive maintenance, high fuel prices, significant taxes and fees, and a fragmented market where many countries seek to maintain their own national carriers.

Henoc Dossa