Africa’s aviation market experienced significant growth in 2025, recording some of the strongest passenger and cargo increases globally. The trend presents both opportunities and challenges for Kenyan travel agents and the wider tourism sector.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa saw a 7.8% year-on-year rise in passenger traffic in 2025, with an average load factor of 74.9%, indicating that nearly three-quarters of available seats were filled. December 2025 alone registered a 10.3% increase in passengers compared to December 2024, highlighting strong seasonal demand and growing confidence in regional air travel.
Air cargo also grew robustly, with a 6% increase across the year and a December surge of over 10%, reflecting strong trade activity and the movement of goods within the continent.
Opportunities for Travel Agents
The surge in passenger numbers has prompted airlines to expand route networks, increase flight frequencies, and introduce new short-haul destinations. Travel agents now have access to more flight options, enabling them to offer multi-city itineraries, regional travel packages, and tailored seasonal promotions.
Higher load factors suggest strong market confidence, creating opportunities for early bookings, premium travel packages, and enhanced customer service offerings. The growth in air cargo also opens avenues for agents to diversify into corporate travel and logistics-related services, linking freight and passenger itineraries for business clients.
Impact on Kenya’s Travel and Tourism Sector
Kenya, with Nairobi as a major aviation hub, is well-positioned to benefit from rising intra-African connectivity. Expanded air traffic supports both leisure and business tourism, providing smoother access to key destinations such as Mombasa, Diani, Maasai Mara, and Lake Victoria.
The aviation sector is already a major economic contributor in Kenya, generating approximately KSh 425 billion (~USD 3.3 billion) in activity and supporting around 460,000 jobs in tourism, hospitality, transport, and related services. Rising passenger volumes are expected to increase these contributions, benefiting travel agencies, tour operators, and other tourism-dependent enterprises.
Digital Transformation and Market Readiness
The 2025 surge coincides with airlines increasingly adopting cloud-based booking systems, real-time APIs, and NDC-enabled platforms. These systems allow travel agents to access richer, more flexible content, including dynamic pricing, bundled fares, and ancillary services, strengthening their ability to curate travel experiences for clients.
As a result, travel agents are transitioning from ticket sales to becoming consultants, itinerary planners, and key intermediaries in the growing African travel ecosystem. Those who integrate modern distribution technologies into their operations are better positioned to compete and capture a larger share of the expanding market.
Outlook for the Next Decade
Industry projections suggest that Africa’s aviation market could grow at approximately 6% annually into the 2040s, with the regional fleet expected to be more than double. For Kenya, this structural growth presents long-term opportunities to enhance air connectivity, expand tourism offerings, and support the travel trade in delivering efficient, high-quality services.
As passenger and cargo volumes continue to rise, Kenya’s travel industry is poised for sustained growth, with travel agents playing an increasingly central role in connecting travellers, facilitating experiences, and ensuring the country maximizes its position as a regional tourism hub.
Source: Aviation Demand Surged in 2025 Across Cargo and Passenger Markets, Setting Records
