Africa’s passenger market growth outpaces global average in August – IATA

October 1, 2025 in Business, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Father and mother waiting with young daughter at airport. Tourist family at airport terminal with luggage holiday.

Africa’s air passenger market posted strong growth in August 2025, outpacing the global average and echoing the momentum recently seen in the region’s cargo performance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Data released by IATA shows that African carriers recorded a 7.1 percent year-on-year increase in passenger demand during the month, supported by a 5.3 percent rise in capacity. This translated into a passenger load factor of 79.7 percent, which was 1.3 percentage points higher than in August 2024. While the continent accounted for just 2.2 percent of the total global market, its performance was well above the worldwide average.

Globally, demand grew by 4.6 percent compared to the same period last year, with capacity rising by 4.5 percent. The overall load factor reached a record 86 percent, underscoring the resilience of passenger travel despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. IATA Director General Willie Walsh described August’s performance as a new high for the northern summer season, noting that airlines were flying fuller aircraft than ever before.

“August year-on-year demand growth of 4.6pc confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high. Moreover, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever with a record load factor of 86pc,” said Willie Walsh. He added that airlines are maximising efficiency to meet demand, but continued growth makes it even more urgent for the aerospace manufacturing sector to resolve supply chain challenges that have constrained aircraft deliveries.

International passenger traffic remained the main driver of global growth in August, expanding by 6.6 percent year-on-year, while domestic travel rose by 1.5 percent. Asia-Pacific carriers led the recovery with demand up nearly 10 percent, supported by strong markets in China and Japan. Middle Eastern and Latin American carriers also reported robust growth, while European airlines saw steady gains. North America, however, lagged behind with weaker demand growth and a fourth consecutive month of declines in load factors.

Domestic markets, which make up 38 percent of global demand, expanded only 1.5 percent year-on-year, contributing just 13 percent of overall growth. The U.S. market remained sluggish, posting a 0.2 percent contraction and an eighth consecutive decline in load factor. By contrast, Brazil’s domestic market surged 12.7 percent, boosted by tourism promotion efforts. Japan also recorded strong domestic growth at 6 percent.

For Africa, the strong performance reflects growing connectivity across the continent, recovering tourism flows, and increased demand for air travel among the rising middle class. It also builds on the region’s recent momentum in air cargo, where African carriers posted the strongest growth globally in August.

Looking ahead, IATA said airlines worldwide are already planning to add 3.4 percent more capacity in October to meet sustained travel demand, as the global industry continues its post-pandemic expansion.