Africa’s aviation market continued its steady recovery in July 2025, standing out as the only region to record an improvement in load factor despite a general decline worldwide.
According to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African airlines saw passenger demand grow 2.8% year-on-year, while capacity increased by 2.3%. This positive balance pushed the region’s load factor up by 0.4 percentage points to 74.9%, making Africa the sole exception in a month when most markets reported dips.
The surge was largely driven by stronger traffic flows between Africa and Asia, a corridor that has been gaining traction as trade and tourism ties deepen. The improved connectivity on this route not only supported demand but also gave African carriers a competitive edge in expanding their international footprint.
Globally, passenger demand rose 4% in July compared to the same period last year, with capacity expanding 4.4%. International traffic was the main driver of this growth, climbing 5.3%, while domestic markets advanced by a softer 1.9%. The global load factor slipped slightly to 85.5% as capacity outpaced demand, but Africa bucked this trend, highlighting the region’s unique momentum.
Performance elsewhere in the world varied. Asia-Pacific airlines led with an 8.7% rise in demand, while Latin America posted a strong 9.3% increase. Europe and North America recorded more modest gains at 4% and 2.4% respectively. The Middle East also saw a 5.3% rebound following disruptions in June. However, in all these regions, the load factor eased, reflecting a common pattern of capacity growth slightly outstripping demand.
For Africa, the story is different. Despite handling smaller traffic volumes compared to other continents, African airlines are demonstrating efficiency in aligning capacity with demand. This ability to maintain healthy load factors suggests that carriers are managing resources prudently while tapping into growing intercontinental routes. The Africa-Asia connection, in particular, continues to be a bright spot, signaling the continent’s increasing integration into global air travel flows.
With IATA noting that global flight volumes rose 2% in September after several months of slowing momentum, Africa’s upward trajectory could strengthen further in the coming months. The region’s resilience and strategic route growth underscore its potential as a rising player in the global aviation landscape.
