Passenger demand in Africa increased slightly in April, despite a decline in global passenger demand caused by the Middle East conflict.
According to IATA’s Air Passenger Market Analysis for April 2026, African carriers recorded a 2,2% year-on-year increase in demand while global demand fell by 3,4% compared with April 2025. This was largely due to losses on Middle Eastern routes.
Excluding the Middle East, total demand increased by 1,2%.
International capacity in Africa, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 1,2% year-on-year, exceeding global capacity which decreased 2,9% year-on-year. Africa’s load factor was 77,9% (an increase of 0,7 percentage points compared to April 2025).
International demand worldwide fell 5,3%, with capacity falling 5,1%. Excluding the Middle East, international capacity increased by 1,9%. North America was flat and all other regions reported growth.
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 48,1% decline in international demand and a 46,6% decrease in total demand. International capacity fell 38,4%, and the load factor was 70,1% (a 13,1 percentage point decrease compared to April 2025).
“The fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war was so acute that it dragged overall demand down 3,4%. The situation remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
© Now Media. This content, including images, is protected by copyright and may not be copied, reused, adapted or republished without permission. If you would like to discuss content-sharing or cooperation opportunities, please contact: editor@travelnews.co.za.
