New figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that African airlines experienced a 17.9 percent year on year increase in passenger demand in January. Airline capacity across the continent rose by 16.3 percent, while load factors reached 77 percent, signalling improved aircraft utilisation as travel demand rebounds.
The rise in passenger traffic is also boosting air cargo capacity across the continent. Passenger aircraft carry freight in their belly holds, providing exporters with additional cargo space without the need for dedicated freighter planes.
This channel has become increasingly important for high-value exports, including flowers, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and fast-growing e-commerce shipments, moving between Africa and global markets.
Globally, aviation demand also strengthened. Airlines recorded an average load factor of 82 percent in January, the highest level ever reported for that month. International travel was the main driver of growth, with passenger demand increasing by 5.9 percent compared with the same period last year, closely matched by a 5.8 percent rise in available seat capacity.
Despite Africa accounting for only about 2.2 percent of global passenger traffic, the region’s growth rate stands out. Industry analysts attribute the expansion to the steady restoration of routes after pandemic disruptions and deeper economic ties with key markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, which also serve as major cargo corridors for African exporters.
“The timing of the Lunar New Year partly explains the slightly slower 3.8 percent expansion in January, but the fundamentals are in place for demand to continue strong growth in 2026,” said Willie Walsh, director general of IATA.
Walsh added that airline schedule data indicates global seat capacity could increase by 5.2 percent by March, the fastest expansion since April 2024, although geopolitical tensions and fuel price volatility could introduce uncertainty.
Even with Africa’s strong performance, the sector continues to face structural challenges, including high operating costs, infrastructure gaps, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. Industry leaders say overcoming these barriers will be crucial if the continent is to sustain its aviation momentum and fully capitalise on expanding trade and connectivity opportunities.
