African airlines recorded an 8 per cent increase in international passenger demand in September 2026, reflecting continued growth in air travel across the continent, according to the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Data released on October 30 shows that international passenger demand for African carriers, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), grew by 8 per cent compared with September 2025.
Airline capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), expanded by 8.8 per cent during the same period, while the passenger load factor stood at 74.8 per cent, down 0.6 percentage points year-on-year.
The figures indicate that airlines are expanding available seats at a slightly faster rate than passenger demand is growing, suggesting scope for improved seat utilisation as traffic increases.
The growth comes against a mixed global aviation backdrop. Worldwide passenger demand declined by 0.5 per cent in September, while total airline capacity fell by 0.2 per cent. The global passenger load factor stood at 83.2 per cent.
Within Africa, the expansion in international traffic points to continued opportunities for airlines to strengthen regional and intercontinental connectivity, supported by rising passenger demand.
For travel agents and tour operators, increased airline capacity could translate into more route options and greater seat availability, particularly on markets experiencing stronger demand. However, the pace of capacity growth relative to passenger numbers will remain an important factor in airline pricing and seat utilisation.
IATA’s figures provide an indication of the continent’s growing role in international aviation, although the difference between Africa’s 74.8 per cent load factor and the global average highlights further room for airlines to improve capacity utilisation.
Source : iata.org