IATA Data Shows African Carriers Outperform Global Markets With Strong September Demand

African airlines recorded one of the strongest traffic performances in September, with demand up 5,3% year-on-year, according to the latest IATA figures. Capacity grew by 5,1%, while the load factor edged up to 74,7% – a 0,1 percentage point increase over September 2024.

Across all regions, passenger demand – measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) – was up 3,6% compared with September 2024, with international demand driving this growth. This was a decrease from the 4,5% growth recorded in August.

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 3,7% year-on-year, while the September load factor was 83,4% (a 0,1 percentage point decrease).

International demand rose 5,1% compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 5,2% and the load factor was 83,6% (a 0,1 percentage point decrease).

“International demand drove 90% of September’s overall growth. Importantly, the capacity expansion slightly nudged ahead of demand growth. With November flight schedules indicating a 3% expansion on the previous year, airlines are gearing up for continued growth into the year-end holiday season, despite the constraints of unresolved supply chain issues,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

Africa and Asia-Pacific were the only regions to record year-on-year demand increases.