Africa: freight traffic continues to grow, passenger transport declines further (IATA)
Prior to the onset of Covid-19, air cargo in Africa was growing steadily. Despite the health crisis, this growth continues month after month. In contrast, the passenger curve has reversed and remains far below the 2019 figures, despite some rare rebounds.
In September 2021, Africa recorded the highest increase in cargo traffic of any region in the world, for the ninth consecutive month (+34.6% compared to September 2019). This is according to data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
In September 2021, Africa recorded the highest increase in cargo traffic of any region in the world, for the ninth consecutive month (+34.6% compared to September 2019). This is according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Wednesday 3 November 2021. The international capacity of African airlines has increased by 6.9% compared to pre-Covid-19 levels. The continent is the only region to record a positive performance in this segment, albeit on small volumes (2% of global traffic).
Globally, freight demand is up 9.1% compared to September 2019 (9.4% for international operations). Capacity remains down 8.9% year-on-year (-12% for international operations).
In terms of passenger traffic, African airlines' traffic fell by 62.2% in September compared to two years ago. This is a decline of almost 4% compared to the 58.5% drop recorded in August. September capacity fell by 49.3%, and load factor fell by 18.4 percentage points to 53.7%.
Globally, demand fell by 53.4% in September 2021 compared to September 2019. However, this is an increase from August 2021, which recorded a 56% year-on-year decline. "September's performance is a positive development, but the recovery in international traffic remains stalled amid continued border closures and quarantine mandates [...] With recent reopenings in other key markets such as Australia, Argentina, Thailand and Singapore, this should provide a boost to the large-scale restoration of freedom to travel," said Willie Walsh, IATA's director general.
