IATA Reports 4.7% Rise in African Airlines' Cargo Demand

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African airlines' air cargo demand rose by 4.7% year-on-year in September 2026, despite a 1.2% decline in cargo capacity. This contrasts with a global air cargo demand increase of 7.7%, supported by stronger trade and manufacturing activity, as well as shipments linked to artificial intelligence.

IATA Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen noted that international cargo demand increased by 8.6%, while international capacity rose by 3.3%. Rising jet fuel prices, which increased by 17.5% month-on-month and were 103.4% higher than the previous year, continue to pressure airline profitability.

The report indicates that Nigeria's air freight market could benefit from growing cargo demand, particularly for time-sensitive shipments and diaspora exports. Faisal Jarmakani, Managing Director of Aramex Nigeria, estimated the country's air freight logistics market at over $8 billion, with Lagos serving as the primary cargo hub.