African Airlines Record Highest International Passenger Demand Growth in June

African airlines posted the strongest international passenger demand growth of any global region in June 2026, new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows.

The 6.7 per cent year-on-year jump outstripped all other regions by a wide margin. Capacity across African carriers climbed 7.0 per cent over the same period, while the average passenger load factor dipped a fractional 0.3 percentage points to 74.2 per cent.

Latin American airlines placed second with demand growth of 3.5 per cent. Europe followed at 1.5 per cent, and Asia-Pacific carriers managed a 0.4 per cent uptick.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said the figures underscored the durability of passenger appetite despite economic headwinds and operational strains. “Demand remains resilient,” Walsh said. “Airlines continue to benefit from strong consumer confidence in international travel.”