Africa leads global air travel and cargo demand surge in February

April 1, 2026 in Business, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Africa led global aviation growth in February 2026, posting the fastest gains in both passenger and cargo demand, even as geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs cloud the industry’s outlook.

 

Global aviation demand extended its upward trajectory in February 2026, with Africa emerging as the standout performer across both passenger travel and air cargo, reinforcing the continent’s growing role in global aviation flows.

Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by 6.1pcyear-on-year, outpacing a 5.6% increase in capacity. This pushed the global load factor to a record 81.4pc for February, signalling resilient demand despite mounting geopolitical uncertainty.

Africa, though still accounting for just 2.2pc of global traffic, recorded the fastest passenger growth at 11.9pc. Capacity expanded by 13.1pc, however, dragging load factors down to 75pc and pointing to a market still building toward fuller utilisation.

International demand rose 5.9pc, supported by seasonal travel such as Lunar New Year traffic and strong Europe–Asia routes, while domestic markets grew 6.3pc, driven largely by Brazil and China.

Beneath the growth, pressures are mounting. Willie Walsh said rising fuel costs, tight capacity and disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict are already pushing fares higher and forcing airlines to adjust network deployment.

“With an RPK expansion of 6.1pc, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year. However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact that it will have on airline prospects,” Walsh said.

Air cargo mirrored the positive trend. Global demand rose 11.2pc year-on-year, outpacing capacity growth of 8.5pc supported by pre-Lunar New Year shipments and improving trade conditions.

Africa again led all regions, with cargo demand surging 21.0pc alongside a 17.3pc increase in capacity, underscoring the continent’s rising importance in global supply chains.

The Africa–Asia corridor stood out, recording a 61.9pc increase—its eighth consecutive month of growth—highlighting deepening trade ties and a gradual reconfiguration of logistics routes.

Stronger macroeconomic signals reinforced cargo demand, with global goods trade up 5.2pc in January and manufacturing activity remaining in expansion territory in February.

Still, uncertainty persists. Disruptions to key cargo hubs, fuel volatility and geopolitical tensions could temper momentum in the months ahead.

“With an RPK expansion of 6.1pc, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year. However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact that it will have on airline prospects,” Walsh added.

Overall, February’s data points to an aviation sector that is expanding—but cautiously. For Africa, leading growth in both passenger and cargo markets signals more than recovery; it reflects a gradual, if still modest, shift in global aviation dynamics.