African Airlines See 2.2% Demand Rise Amid Global Decline

In April 2026, African airlines recorded a 2.2% year-on-year increase in passenger demand, with capacity growing by 1.2% and a load factor of 77.9%. In contrast, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a global decrease of 3.4% in passenger demand compared to April 2025, largely attributed to a 46.6% drop in demand from the Middle East due to ongoing conflicts in the region.

The report indicated that airline capacity fell by 5.1% year-on-year, with a load factor of 83.9%, down 0.2 points from the previous year. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) emphasized its commitment to enhancing security and judicial processes at Nigerian airports, with Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration to safeguard airport infrastructure.

The aviation sector remains volatile, with rising jet fuel costs and fluctuating demand affecting operations.