Demand for air travel in 2024 was higher in Africa compared to other parts of the world, based on the International Air Transport Association’s latest analysis of year-on-year performance for the airline passenger market. The figures show a significant 12.4% increase in demand in Africa, more than the 8.1% global average.

According to IATA, capacity growth was also higher in Africa last year, up 6% year-on-year, which raised the average passenger load factor to 72.9%, up +4.1%. (The record average global load factor was 83.4% in November 2024, up +1.9% on the previous year.)

Africa accounts for around 2.1% of the total global air travel market (November 2024). However, the positive growth underscores the importance of air travel in Africa, as well as the opportunity for travel agents to capitalise by providing tailored solutions to new travellers, by promoting not only popular routes but uncovering new destinations across Africa.