Africa–Asia Travel Surge Boosts African Airlines’ July Performance | By Dominick Andoh | Accra, August 21, 2025 – African airlines recorded steady growth in passenger traffic in July 2025, mainly driven by a surge in travel between Africa and Asia, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest market analysis.
The report shows that demand on African carriers rose by 2.8% year-on-year, with capacity expanding by 2.3% over the same period. This translated into a 74.9% passenger load factor, an improvement that underscores the strengthening connectivity between African hubs and Asian destinations.
IATA noted that the African–Asian market was the standout performer, with stronger passenger flows contributing significantly to the region’s overall load factor.
Increased trade ties, tourism flows, and new air service agreements between the two regions support this growth trajectory.
By comparison, global carriers posted a 4.0% rise in demand and a 4.4% increase in capacity, achieving a higher average load factor of 85.5%. Despite this, Africa’s consistent performance is seen as encouraging, particularly given that the continent accounted for 2.2% of the total global passenger market in July.
The African aviation sector grapples with structural challenges, including high operating costs and limited intra-African connectivity. However, the latest IATA figures highlight the potential of long-haul markets, particularly to Asia, in supporting growth and profitability.
Industry stakeholders have argued that sustained investment in route development and the ongoing liberalisation of Africa’s skies through initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), airlines on the continent can consolidate gains and expand their share of global traffic.
Africa–Asia Travel Surge Boosts African Airlines’ July Performance | AviationGhana | Send all enquiries and press releases to AviationGhana.info@gmail.com
