IATA: Africa Outpaces Global Average in Air Freight Growth Despite Headwinds

Despite punishing fuel costs and network rerouting, African aviation has proven remarkably resilient, maintaining its position as a primary bright spot in the global logistics landscape.

According to the latest global air cargo market data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the continent’s aviation sector is maintaining a strong growth streak despite a highly turbulent global operating environment.

The 7.7% surge in Cargo Tonne-Kilometres (CTKs) for African carriers comfortably outpaced the global average demand growth of 4.0%.

While demand for African air freight climbed steadily, available capacity (ACTKs) on the continent plummeted by 9.4% compared to April 2025. This stark mismatch has triggered severe capacity constraints, pushing the regional cargo load factor up by 7.8 percentage points to 49.1%.

The data indicates that African operators are facing intense pressure to maximise limited freight space, driving up shipping yields.

Globally, the air cargo sector is walking a tightrope between healthy underlying demand and massive geopolitical friction.

The broader international market was heavily shaped by ongoing conflicts and severe airspace restrictions in the Middle East.

While Middle Eastern carriers saw their international traffic plunge by 18.2% due to restricted airspace, other regions capitalised on shifting trade routes.

Asia-Pacific airlines were the primary engine of global growth, driving cargo demand up 10.5%. Europe posted a solid 6.0% gain. Latin America & Caribbean lagged behind, experiencing a 2.8% contraction.

Africa’s standout performance continues to be heavily anchored by its trade lanes to Asia. The Africa–Asia trade corridor surged by 12.8% in April, marking its 10th consecutive month of growth and solidifying its position as a vital economic artery for the continent.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that while global demand growth remains positive, it masks a highly volatile climate for airlines. Supply chains are relying heavily on dedicated freighters (which grew 7.0% globally) to bypass disrupted corridors.

“Air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions,” Walsh stated. “The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs.”

A carrier’s largest operational hurdle right now is energy. Geopolitical friction around the Strait of Hormuz has severely tightened global energy supplies.

In April 2026, crude oil prices were up 77.7% year-on-year, while jet fuel prices skyrocketed by an astonishing 121.1% compared to the same period last year.

Despite these punishing fuel costs and network re-routings, African aviation has proven remarkably resilient, maintaining its position as a primary bright spot in the global logistics landscape.

Wole Shadare