Africa leads global air cargo surge as demand jumps 16.6pc in October — IATA

November 28, 2025 in Business, Trade & Industry, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Africa posted the strongest air-cargo growth of any region in October, with demand rising 16.6pc year-on-year as global volumes hit a new record, according to IATA.

 

Africa recorded the fastest air-cargo growth of any region worldwide in October, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscoring the continent’s strengthening role in global supply chains even as it still accounts for just 2pc of total industry volumes.

New figures released on Friday show African carriers posted a 16.6pc year-on-year increase in cargo demand, the strongest performance globally. Capacity also climbed sharply by 20pc, signalling both expanding belly-hold availability and a rebound in dedicated freighter utilisation.

The continent’s outperformance came against an already strong global backdrop. Worldwide cargo demand rose 4.1pc year-on-year — the eighth consecutive month of expansion and a new record for October. Capacity grew 5.1pc over the same period.

IATA said the shifts in trade flows were especially visible in core east–west and intra-Asian markets. While the Asia–North America lane contracted for a sixth straight month, double-digit growth was recorded on Europe–Asia, Middle East–Asia and Africa–Asia routes. The latter grew 10.9pc, marking the fourth consecutive month of expansion.

“Air cargo demand grew 4.1pc year-on-year in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion and setting a new monthly record for volumes,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “This shifting growth pattern shows that air cargo is enabling global supply chains to adapt to the impact of US tariffs.”

The broader macroeconomic environment also supported demand. Global goods trade was up 5.3pc in September, industrial production rose 3.7pc, and manufacturing sentiment strengthened for a third consecutive month. Jet fuel prices, however, climbed 2.5pc in October, with a tightening diesel market nearly doubling the jet crack spread compared to last year.

Across other regions, Asia-Pacific airlines posted an 8.3pc increase, Europe grew 4.3pc the Middle East rose 5.7pc, while North America and Latin America both saw demand fall 2.7pc.

With year-end shipping in full swing, IATA expects the momentum to carry into the peak fourth-quarter season, though tariff uncertainty and divergent regional performance remain key variables.