Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which came into effect in January, may help stimulate demand for air travel in Africa.
The region has been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, which forced global leaders to impose various lockdowns.
International and domestic air travel has since declined by around 60%.
Mbalula, speaking at a National Aviation Conference, says passenger numbers remain sluggish despite the lifting of many lockdown restrictions.
The aviation sector has been ravaged by COVID-19. Many airlines around the globe went knocking on government doors for relief while others went into business rescue. Here at home, Comair recently returned to the skies after its rescue process was concluded and SAA is due to follow.
