African airlines ended 2025 on a strong note, leading the world in air cargo growth and recording double‑digit gains in passenger traffic, according to the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Air cargo demand across the continent surged 15.6 percent year‑on‑year in November 2025, the highest regional growth globally and nearly triple the 5.5 percent worldwide average. Capacity rose by 18.1 percent, yet the load factor held firm at 44.2 percent, underscoring robust underlying demand and expanded regional connectivity — particularly along the Africa–Asia corridor, where volumes grew 9.5 percent.
Globally, freight demand measured in cargo tonne‑kilometres (CTKs) increased 5.5 percent in November, supported by stronger trade flows and firmer manufacturing output. “Air cargo demand grew 5.5 percent year‑on‑year, boosted by shippers prioritising timely delivery ahead of the peak season,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. He noted that resilience in emerging markets — including Africa — helped offset weaker performance in the Americas amid tariff shifts and supply‑chain adjustments.
African airlines also led the world in passenger growth, with an 11.2 percent year‑on‑year increase in international traffic for November 2025, outpacing every other region. Capacity expanded 8.5 percent, pushing the load factor up 1.8 percentage points to 74.3 percent. Across all markets, global passenger demand rose 5.7 percent compared to November 2024, while the overall load factor reached a record 83.7 percent.
“Continued strong demand for air travel and high load factors show the industry’s resilience even as manufacturers struggle to meet aircraft delivery schedules,” Walsh said, referring to the record 17,000‑plus aircraft order backlog carried into 2026.
Asia‑Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe also posted solid passenger gains, while North America experienced the weakest growth, reflecting lingering effects of tariff policy and a U.S. domestic demand slowdown.
With both passenger and cargo performance surging, the IATA report suggests Africa’s aviation sector is entering 2026 with renewed momentum — buoyed by expanding trade routes, improved connectivity, and opportunities linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
