• African carriers’ passenger traffic rose 7.1% in August 2025, outpacing global growth of 4.6%.
• Load factors improved to 79.7%, up 1.3 percentage points year-on-year.
• IATA projects African airlines will grow at an average annual rate of 4.1% over the next two decades.

African airlines recorded higher passenger volumes in August, supported by post-pandemic recovery and strong summer demand. The trend underscores the resilience of African markets and their deeper integration into global aviation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said African carriers’ passenger traffic rose 7.1% in August compared with the same month in 2024. Capacity increased 5.3% year-on-year, while load factors climbed to 79.7%, up 1.3 percentage points.

Other global regions also posted growth, led by Asia-Pacific with a 9.8% increase in passenger flows. Latin America followed with 9%, and the Middle East with 8.2%. Europe and North America lagged with growth of 5.3% and 1.8% respectively.

Worldwide, traffic expanded by 4.6% in August, with an industry-wide load factor of 86%, up 0.1 point from a year earlier. International traffic grew 6.6%, boosted by peak summer travel demand.

“The year-on-year demand growth of 4.6% in August confirms that the 2025 summer tourist season in the northern hemisphere reached a new record,” IATA Director General Willie Walsh said. “Aircraft operated with a record load factor of 86%. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, global growth shows no sign of slowing, with airlines planning a 3.4% capacity increase in October schedules.”

IATA forecasts that African airlines will achieve average annual growth of 4.1% over the next 20 years. The association said this expansion will be driven by rising travel demand, expanding international connections, and fleet modernization.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum