The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that global passenger demand grew by 4% in July 2025 compared to the same period last year, signaling renewed strength in the aviation sector as airlines ride the momentum of the northern summer season.
According to the report, airlines worldwide carried more travelers in July, with international demand leading the recovery at 5.3% year-on-year growth, while domestic markets grew by 1.9%. The average global passenger load factor stood at 85.5%, reflecting slightly softer seat occupancy as capacity expansion outpaced demand.
“It’s been a good summer for airlines. Travel demand accelerated in July, especially for international routes, and airlines are well positioned to ride this momentum into the coming months,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Africa: Modest Growth, Bright Spots Ahead
African carriers posted a 2.8% rise in international passenger demand in July, with capacity up by 2.3%. Importantly, Africa was the only region to see an improvement in load factor, which climbed by 0.4 percentage points to 74.9%. Traffic between Africa and Asia surged, highlighting the continent’s growing aviation links with the East.
For Nigeria, this is encouraging news. With routes connecting Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt to hubs in Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, and Istanbul, Nigerian travelers are increasingly plugged into the international network. The rebound in Africa–Asia routes is particularly relevant given Nigeria’s growing business and student travel to China, India, and the Middle East.
Regional Highlights
- Asia-Pacific carriers led growth with an 8.7% jump in international demand, as post-pandemic travel within and beyond the region surged.
- Latin America posted a strong 9.3% rise, supported by booming intra-regional traffic.
- Europe grew 4%, while North America saw slower gains of 2.4% with load factors slipping.
- The Middle East rebounded 5.3% after disruptions from June’s military conflict, underlining its role as a global hub.
Domestic Travel: Brazil and Japan Shine
Domestic markets grew modestly, with Brazil leading at 9.4% growth. Japan hit a record 81.4% load factor, its best July performance since 2000. The U.S. market grew 1.5%, still the largest domestic aviation market worldwide.
Why This Matters for Nigerian Travelers?
The IATA data reinforces the resilience of global air travel, a key driver of tourism, business, and cultural exchange. For Nigerian travelers, the improved performance of African carriers and stronger Africa–Asia links mean more competitive fares, better connectivity, and growing opportunities to explore new destinations. With the global aviation industry entering the last quarter of the year on a high note, Nigerian tourism stakeholders—from airlines and airports to tour operators—have a clear opportunity to harness this momentum.
