# Airports Council International says a record 9.8-billion passengers passed through airports worldwide in 2025. Africa recorded the strongest year-on-year growth at nine-percent, followed by the Middle East at 6.5-percent. Global passenger traffic rose 6.1-percent, driven by international travel. Air cargo also reached a record 131.2-million tonnes, up 3.3-percent. However, global passenger growth slowed to 0.6-percent in the first half of 2026, while Africa continued to record growth.
Africa records strongest growth in global air travel