African carriers posted the strongest growth in global air cargo demand in November 2025, with volumes rising 15.6 per cent year on year, reports Nairametrics of Lagos.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said African airlines also expanded capacity by 18.1 per cent, the largest increase of any region. The figures highlight the continent's growing role in global trade and reliance on air freight.

Globally, total air cargo demand rose 5.5 per cent in November, with international operations up 6.9 per cent. Global capacity increased 4.7 per cent, and 6.5 per cent for international flights.

IATA director general Willie Walsh said demand growth was driven by shippers prioritising timely deliveries ahead of the holiday season, strategic trade re-routing and strong demand in emerging markets. He noted that weakness in the Americas, linked to adjustments under the new US tariff regime, was offset by resilience elsewhere.

Airlines in Asia-Pacific recorded a 10.3 per cent rise in demand, supported by an 8.4 per cent increase in capacity. European carriers posted demand growth of 5.8 per cent and capacity up 4.1 per cent, while Middle Eastern airlines saw demand rise 7.4 per cent and capacity 11 per cent.

North American carriers faced a 1.6 per cent decline in demand and capacity down 2.3 per cent. Latin American and Caribbean airlines recorded the weakest performance, with demand falling 4.8 per cent and capacity decreasing 3.0 per cent.