African airlines recorded a 7.7 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in April 2026, highlighting sustained growth in freight operations across the continent’s aviation industry. The latest global air cargo market data released by the International Air Transport Association showed that African carriers continued to benefit from stronger trade activity and rising cargo volumes on key international routes.
According to IATA, the positive performance reflects growing global trade flows, particularly on the Africa–Asia corridor, which emerged as the fastest-growing trade lane globally. The report noted that Asia–Europe routes also posted strong growth, while intra-Asia trade remained resilient due to sustained manufacturing activity within the region. Despite the growth momentum, IATA warned that the global air cargo market continues to face operational and economic pressures, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising fuel and oil prices, and shifting trade patterns. The association added that Gulf-linked trade corridors were among the most affected by regional instability, creating disruptions for airlines operating across those routes.
