African airlines recorded strong growth in both demand and capacity in 2025, but the region continues to post the lowest passenger load factor (PLF) globally, according to IATA’s Air Passenger Market Analysis for 2025.
Globally, full-year passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose 5,3% compared with 2024, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased by 5,2%. The global PLF reached a record 83,6%, up 0,1 percentage point (ppt) year-on-year.
In comparison, African airlines saw combined international and domestic demand grow by 9,4% in 2025. Total passenger capacity increased by 8,3%, but despite 0,7ppt growth, PLF was the lowest of all regions at 75,3%.
“This returns industry growth to align with historical growth patterns after the robust post-COVID rebound,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.
Africa’s international performance
African airlines’ international passenger demand rose 7,8% year-on-year, with capacity up 6,5%. This lifted the international PLF by 0,9 ppt to 74,9%.
While Africa again recorded the lowest international load factor of any region, it also achieved the strongest annual improvement, marking a new record high for African carriers.
December seasonality
Reflecting the continent’s pronounced seasonality, Africa recorded the strongest December growth in both demand and capacity of all regions, although this came at the expense of lower load factors.
In December 2025, African carriers recorded the fastest international growth, with demand up 10,3% year-on-year and capacity expanded by 12,9% year-on-year, pushing the load factor down by 1,8 ppt to 74,9%.
Africa still only accounted for 2,2% of the total global passenger air travel and 1,9% of the international air passenger traffic in 2025.
