Africa’s airlines stood out in a moderating global aviation market in November, with carriers on the continent posting the fastest passenger demand growth globally even as overall industry momentum softened, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
- •Industry-wide, Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) expanded by 5.7% year-on-year in November, down from the 6.6% growth recorded in October.
- •African airlines registered 12.6% RPK growth year-on-year, the highest increase globally, fueled in part by strong international demand rising 11.2% and improved utilization as capacity lagged.
- •Improved infrastructure, expanding intra-continental connectivity and stronger demand for international travel are underpinning growth, even as carriers worldwide navigate a softening growth environment.
Capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) rose 5.4%, supporting a record global load factor of 83.7% for the month. International travel continued to drive growth, with RPK up 7.7% and an 84.0% load factor. Africa posted the largest year-on-year gain in passenger load factor, rising to 75.1%.
While the robust traffic figures are a positive sign for the continent’s aviation recovery, the financial reality for airlines such as Kenya Airways (KQ) highlights ongoing industry pressures for most airlines. After reporting its first full-year net profit in more than a decade, about KSh 5.4 billion for the year ending December 2024, the airline has since faced significant setbacks.
KQ’s financial performance deteriorated sharply in the first half of 2025, as three of its nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft were grounded due to global engine and spare-parts shortages. This contributed to a 19% drop in revenue and a return to operating losses of approximately KSh 6.2 billion, with a net loss of around KSh 12.2 billion in the six months to June 30, reversing the prior year’s profit.
In late November, Kenya Airways issued a full-year profit warning for 2025, forecasting that net earnings would be at least 25% below its 2024 result as the operational challenges persisted and constrained capacity.
In contrast, continental leader Ethiopian Airlines on Saturday announced the official construction commencement of Bishoftu International Airport following an official groundbreaking ceremony.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew remarked: “ Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will accommodate 60 million passengers annually and when fully completed it will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers.
