African Airlines Lead Global Air Cargo Growth in February 2026

African airlines recorded a remarkable 21% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in February 2026, the highest growth among all regions. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlights Africa’s expanding role in global air freight markets.

This growth reflects Africa’s increasing role in global logistics, supported by investments in airport infrastructure, fleet modernization, and improved cargo handling capabilities. Leading carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and EgyptAir have expanded their cargo operations, helping the continent maintain strong growth momentum.

African Airlines Achieve 21% Air Cargo Growth

According to IATA, African airlines saw air cargo demand rise 21% year-on-year in February, with capacity increasing by 17.3%. This growth reflects a significant surge in shipments handled by the region’s carriers, outpacing other global regions.

Globally, air cargo demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK) rose 11.2% compared to February 2025, while international operations increased 11.6%. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), grew 8.5%, with international capacity up 9.8%, showing that demand grew faster than the available space.

The surge in demand is also influenced by rising e-commerce shipments, recovery in manufacturing, and pre-Lunar New Year trade activity. These factors, combined with strategic routing and efficient logistics, have enabled African carriers to outperform other regions consistently.

Factors Driving Growth for African Airlines

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said February’s growth partly reflected pre-Lunar New Year shipments and highlighted factors that could affect the outlook for the rest of the year.

Key factors include:

Rising fuel costs and occasional shortages in some regions.
Disruptions at key cargo hubs in the Middle East that may impact air freight.
Strengthened global goods trade, which grew 5.2% year-on-year in January 2026.
Increased manufacturing activity, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching 53.1.

Jet fuel prices rose 1.2% year-on-year in February, adding to operational considerations, while African carriers continued to outperform globally.

Regional Comparison: African Airlines Outpace Others

While all regions recorded growth, African airlines led globally:

Middle East: demand +16.5%, capacity +13.5%
Asia-Pacific: demand +13.6%, capacity +10.1%
North America: demand +9.4%, capacity +5.3%
Europe: demand +6.9%, capacity +6.1%
Latin America & Caribbean: demand +0.7%, capacity +4.5%

This confirms Africa’s position as the fastest-growing region in air cargo in February 2026.

A closer look at key trade lanes shows that the Africa–Europe and Africa–Asia routes are expanding rapidly. The Africa–Asia corridor, for example, grew 61.9% year-on-year in February 2026, reflecting strong import-export activity, even though it still accounts for just 1.3% of total global air cargo.

Africa–Asia Air Cargo Route Shows Rapid Growth

The Africa–Asia trade lane recorded the fastest global growth, surging 61.9% year-on-year in February 2026. Despite its rapid expansion, this route represents just 1.3% of total air cargo.

Earlier in January, African carriers also performed strongly, with demand up 18.2% and capacity rising 6.5%. Overall, global air cargo demand grew 5.6% in February, with international flights up 7.2%.

Challenges and Outlook for African Airlines

Despite rapid growth, African airlines face operational challenges, including fluctuating fuel prices, occasional shortages, and congestion at major airports. These factors may influence capacity planning and highlight the need for continued investment in cargo infrastructure and fleet expansion.

Economic Impact of Air Cargo Growth

Strong performance by African carriers also benefits regional economies by facilitating exports, supporting trade, and creating employment in logistics, warehousing, and related sectors. Efficient air cargo networks help integrate Africa further into global trade, positioning the continent as a key player in international supply chains.

African Airlines Setting Global Trends

Data from IATA confirms that African airlines posted the strongest regional growth in air cargo for early 2026. With double-digit increases in demand and capacity, Africa’s carriers are leading the way in global freight markets. While challenges such as fuel volatility and operational constraints remain, the continent’s rising role in air cargo demonstrates its strategic importance in the global logistics landscape.