Africa’s 2025 passenger traffic projected to hit 273 million – ACI
In September 2025, African airlines recorded a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic, while capacity rose by 5.1 percent, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The region’s load factor reached 74.7 percent, up 0.1 percentage point from September 2024.
The trend was positive across all global regions, though growth remained moderate overall. Asia-Pacific posted the strongest expansion with 7.4 percent.Capacity increased 6.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.3% (+1.0 ppt compared to September 2024). It was followed by the Middle East (6.3 percent), Capacity increased 6.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.9% (unchanged compared to September 2024). Latin America (5.3 percent), Europe (4 percent), and North America (2.5 percent). Global traffic rose 3.6 percent, driven by a 5.1 percent increase in international flights and 0.9 percent growth in domestic routes. The worldwide load factor averaged 83.4 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier.
“Solid international demand drove 90% of September’s 3.6% overall growth,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Importantly, the capacity expansion slightly nudged ahead of demand growth at 3.7%. Load factors, nonetheless, remained very strong. With November flight schedules indicating further expansion, airlines are gearing up for continued growth into the year-end holiday season, despite the severe constraints of unresolved supply chain issues.”
According to the latest projections from Airports Council International (ACI), passenger traffic in Africa is expected to reach 273 million travelers in 2025, representing 9.4 percent annual growth.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for September 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights:
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 3.6% compared to September 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 3.7% year-on-year. The September load factor was 83.4% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).
International demand rose 5.1% compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 5.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.6% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).
Domestic demand increased 0.9% compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 1.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.0% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).
Domestic RPK rose 0.9% over September 2024 and load factor fell by 0.1 ppt to 83.0% on the back of a 1.1% capacity expansion. Brazil continues to lead the way with a double-digit expansion. By contrast, the decline in US domestic travel accelerated to -1.7% and its load factor is the weakest of the major domestic markets.
