In March 2024, African airlines experienced an 8.1% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Air Passenger Market Analysis report. This growth signals robust expansion in international passenger markets during that period. The capacity of African airlines also increased by 11% year-on-year to meet the rising passenger demand.
However, despite the increase in demand and capacity, the load factor of African airlines in March 2024 dropped to 70.3%, indicating that, on average, flights were 70.3% full during this period. This reflects a slight 1.9 percentage point decline compared to March 2023.
Comparing the performance of African airlines to other regions across the world in March 2024, Asia-Pacific airlines recorded the highest increase in international passenger demand at 38.5%. European carriers experienced an 11.6% rise in demand, while Middle Eastern airlines saw a 10.8% increase. North American carriers reported a growth of 14.5%, and Latin American airlines witnessed a surge of 19.7% in international passengers.
Globally, the total demand for air travel, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), rose by 13.8% compared to March 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased by 12.3% year-on-year. The overall load factor for the global airline industry was 82.0%, reflecting a 1.0 percentage point increase compared to March 2023.
The report also highlighted a robust growth trajectory in the global airline industry’s total revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), primarily fueled by strong international traffic. International traffic exhibited resilient momentum, with RPK growing by 18.9% year-on-year across the entire industry.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasized the importance of meeting the growing demand for air travel and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience for passengers. He noted that while airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance, they are frustrated with bearing the cost when delays and cancellations result from poor preparation in other parts of the value chain.
