African air cargo took centre stage in October 2025, as demand surged 16.6% year-on-year.
Consequently, airlines expanded capacity by 20% to meet the rising freight needs, making the continent the fastest-growing air cargo market globally.
African Air Cargo Surges
According to IATA’s report, Africa outperformed Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East in both demand and operational growth.
Meanwhile, global demand increased 4.1%, and available capacity rose 5.1%, marking eight consecutive months of expansion and setting a new monthly record.
Global Trends And support
Economic trends also supported this growth.
For instance, goods trade rose 3% in September, and industrial production climbed 3.7%, the fastest pace since March 2025.
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These factors helped global supply chains adapt to shifting markets and manage tariff pressures more effectively.
Regional Performance And Outlook
Elsewhere, Asia-Pacific carriers recorded an 8.3% demand increase, while Europe and Middle Eastern airlines posted moderate gains.
However, North and Latin American carriers struggled, with demand falling 2.7% in both regions, while capacity barely increased.
Similarly, trade lanes reflected these patterns, as Europe–Asia and Africa–Asia grew strongly, while North America–Asia and intra-Europe routes remained flat.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasised that October’s growth demonstrated air cargo’s vital role in keeping global supply chains moving.
Although jet fuel prices rose 2.5% and new export orders stayed cautious at 48.31, African airlines continue to expand aggressively, emerging as a global freight hub ready for the peak fourth-quarter season.
