African Airlines’ Cargo Demand Rises by 9.4% in July – IATA

African airlines recorded a 9.4 per cent increase in cargo demand in July 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The growth is well above the global average of 5.5 per cent.

Despite the strong demand, the report showed that available capacity in Africa slipped marginally by 0.1 per cent, suggesting carriers may be struggling to meet rising freight volumes.

IATA Director-General Willie Walsh said the figures highlight Africa’s growing importance in global cargo flows, driven by resilient regional trade and stronger connectivity with international markets.

Globally, air cargo demand increased by 5.5 per cent in July, with international operations up 6 per cent. Total capacity rose by 3.9 per cent, supported by a 4.5 per cent increase in international capacity.

Among other regions, Asia-Pacific airlines posted the strongest performance with an 11.1 per cent rise in demand, led by the Europe–Asia corridor which grew by 13.5 per cent, extending its 29-month growth streak. North America recorded the weakest growth at 0.7 per cent, while Europe, the Middle East and Latin America grew by 4.1 per cent, 2.6 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively.

IATA noted that the cargo sector benefited from a 3.1 per cent rise in global goods trade in June and a 9.1 per cent year-on-year drop in jet fuel prices, which helped reduce operating costs. However, global manufacturing activity remained subdued, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index slipping to 49.66, indicating contraction.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola