Africa’s aviation industry has grown remarkably in recent years. Airlines across the continent are modernizing their fleets, expanding their routes, and delivering services that now rival global standards. Each year, Skytrax, the globally recognized airline rating organization, highlights the best-performing carriers based on passenger satisfaction.
The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards once again revealed impressive results, ranking the 10 top airlines in Africa that continue to define excellence in safety, comfort, and customer service. Below is a comprehensive look at the 10 top airlines in Africa for 2025, based strictly on reputable industry rankings and passenger surveys.
1. Ethiopian Airlines — Africa’s Leading Airline
For the seventh consecutive year, Ethiopian Airlines has been named the Best Airline in Africa, maintaining its dominance as the continent’s aviation leader. Founded in 1945, it is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and one of the largest airlines in Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines operates an expansive global network, connecting Africa with major cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Its reputation for reliability and efficiency has earned it a loyal customer base.
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In the 2025 Skytrax Awards, Ethiopian Airlines also received top honors for Best Business Class, Best Economy Class, and Best Onboard Catering in Africa. These awards underline its strong performance in both comfort and service quality.
2. Air Mauritius
In second place on the list of top airlines in Africa is Air Mauritius, the national carrier of Mauritius. The airline has steadily improved its ranking over the years and continues to impress travelers with its warm hospitality and efficient service.
Based at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Port Louis, Air Mauritius connects the island nation to major destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
In the 2025 Skytrax rankings, the airline’s growing international connectivity and excellent in-flight experience earned it a strong position. Passengers appreciate the balance of comfort, professionalism, and Mauritian charm that defines its service.
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3. RwandAir
RwandAir, Rwanda’s flag carrier, ranks third among the best airlines in Africa in 2025. Operating from its hub at Kigali International Airport, the airline connects cities across East, Central, West, and Southern Africa, as well as select destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
RwandAir has gained recognition for its punctuality, cleanliness, and customer service. Over the years, it has become one of the fastest-growing carriers on the continent.
4. South African Airways
At number four is South African Airways (SAA), one of Africa’s oldest and most established airlines. Founded in 1934, the airline operates from O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
South African Airways uses a hub-and-spoke model based out of Johannesburg to connect South Africa with an expanding network of destinations in Africa and select cities in the Americas, while gradually restoring international links beyond the continent. Despite facing challenges in recent years, SAA has demonstrated resilience and a renewed focus on efficiency and service.
In the 2025 Skytrax rankings, SAA’s inclusion in the top five confirms its enduring reputation for professionalism and quality service. Its long history in African aviation makes it an essential player in the continent’s air transport network.
5. Egyptair
Egyptair takes the fifth spot among the top airlines in Africa. Established in 1932, it is one of the world’s oldest airlines and the flag carrier of Egypt.
Operating from Cairo International Airport, Egyptair provides scheduled passenger and freight services to more than 75 destinations worldwide, including the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Its longevity and strategic geographical position make it a crucial bridge between Africa and other continents. The airline’s presence in the Skytrax rankings highlights its continued commitment to safety, innovation, and passenger comfort.
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6. Royal Air Maroc
In sixth place is Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the national airline of Morocco. Founded in 1953, RAM operates from Casablanca-Anfa Airport and is fully owned by the Moroccan government.
The airline became a full member of the Oneworld alliance on 1 April 2020, enhancing its global connectivity through alliance partner networks. As of its latest official figures, it serves around 80-100 destinations across approximately 40-50 countries, linking Morocco with Africa, Europe and North America.
Royal Air Maroc is recognized for its expanding network, efficient operations, and customer-focused service. Its ranking among the best airlines in Africa reflects its role as a major connector between Africa and the rest of the world.
7. Kenya Airway
Kenya Airways, often called “The Pride of Africa,” ranks seventh among the best airlines in Africa in 2025. Established in 1977, the airline operates from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Kenya Airways has played a vital role in linking East Africa with global destinations. With a fleet of modern Boeing and Embraer aircraft, the airline emphasizes safety, comfort, and reliability.
Its presence in the Skytrax rankings underlines its commitment to high operational standards. Kenya Airways also contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy by promoting tourism and international business.
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8. FlySafair
In eighth place is FlySafair, a South African low-cost airline headquartered in Johannesburg. A subsidiary of Safair, it operates domestic and regional routes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Launched to make flying more affordable, FlySafair has built a reputation for punctuality, reliability, and exceptional value. Its motto, “For the Love of Flying,” reflects its customer-centric approach.
Being recognized among the top airlines in Africa by Skytrax confirms that quality service is not limited to full-service carriers. FlySafair’s success represents the growing strength of budget airlines in Africa’s evolving aviation sector.
9. LIFT — A Recent South African Airline
LIFT, another South African airline, ranks ninth on the 2025 list of best airlines in Africa. Founded in 2020, it operates from O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg using a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft operated by Global Airways.
Despite being relatively new, LIFT has quickly gained popularity for its flexible and customer-focused business model. It emphasizes convenience and transparency, which have made it a favorite among domestic travelers.
Its recognition in the Skytrax rankings demonstrates that Africa’s aviation market values both tradition and fresh innovation. LIFT’s rise is also proof of how agile and service-oriented airlines can thrive even in competitive markets.
10. Fastjet
Completing the list of the 10 top airlines in Africa is Fastjet, a low-cost carrier operating primarily in Southern Africa.
Fastjet focuses on connecting smaller cities and underserved routes, helping bridge regional travel gaps across the continent. Its efficiency and affordability make it a practical option for both business and leisure travelers.
Being ranked among Africa’s best highlights its contribution to expanding air access and supporting local economies. The airline’s inclusion in the Skytrax Awards confirms that even regional carriers can deliver quality experiences that passengers appreciate.
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Africa’s Aviation Industry on the Rise
The airlines in Africa featured in the 2025 Skytrax Awards reflect a dynamic industry that continues to evolve. These airlines are not only connecting African cities but also linking the continent to global destinations more efficiently than ever before.
From Ethiopian Airlines’ global leadership to Fastjet’s regional connectivity, each carrier plays a crucial role in shaping Africa’s aviation identity. As demand for intra-African travel grows, airlines are modernizing fleets, investing in technology, and focusing on customer satisfaction.
Skytrax’s evaluation, based on passenger surveys from over 100 nationalities between September 2024 and May 2025, shows how much travelers value consistency, safety, and reliability.
Conclusion
The 2025 ranking of the 10 top airlines in Africa showcases the continent’s remarkable aviation progress. Each airline, from long-established giants like Egyptair and South African Airways to rising stars like LIFT and Fastjet, contributes to strengthening Africa’s connectivity and reputation.
As more Africans take to the skies and global travelers explore the continent, these airlines continue to set the benchmark for quality, safety, and innovation.
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References
- www.worldairlineawards.com – Best Airlines 2025 by Region
- africa.businessinsider.com – Best airlines in Africa in 2025, according to latest ranking
- www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk – Africa’s Top 10 Airlines in 2024
- furtherafrica.com – Africa’s Top Airlines for 2025 Revealed: Ethiopian Airlines Still Leads the Skies
