In recent years, Africa’s aviation sector has shown steady improvement in quality, service, and network reach. As demand for air travel grows across the continent and beyond, airlines are under pressure to innovate, improve reliability, and offer passengers greater comfort.
This article presents a clear overview of the best airlines in Africa based on the latest global rankings and industry awards, primarily from the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. These rankings reflect passenger satisfaction, service quality, operational performance, and global competitiveness, key factors that matter to travelers and industry watchers alike.
1. Ethiopian Airlines: Africa’s Leading Carrier
Ethiopian Airlines tops the list of the best airlines in Africa and continues to lead with strong global recognition.
This airline has been named the Best Airline in Africa for multiple consecutive years at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The carrier is widely known for:
- A comprehensive route network, connecting Africa to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
- Investments in modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
- Solid in-flight experience with service strengths in both business and economy classes.
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
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Its consistent recognition in global rankings, #38 in Skytrax’s 2025 world list, shows the airline’s commitment to quality and competitiveness.
2. Air Mauritius: Strong International Connectivity
Air Mauritius holds the second spot among the best airlines in Africa in the most recent rankings.
Although smaller than some of its continental competitors, Air Mauritius has built a reputation for:
- High service standards on regional and international routes.
- A modernized fleet aligned with sustainability and efficiency goals.
- Reliable connectivity between Africa and destinations in the Indian Ocean and Europe.
Its improved global ranking at #63 in 2025 reflects recovery and growth in both service delivery and passenger satisfaction.
3. RwandAir: Best Regional Airline in Africa
RwandAir is frequently recognized among the best airlines in Africa for its regional service quality.
This Kigali-based carrier was named Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, an accolade highlighting its expanding network and focus on service excellence.
RwandAir’s strengths include:
- A growing number of destinations within Africa and beyond.
- Strong reputation for customer experience, especially on intra-African routes.
- Continuous investments in service quality and operational systems.
These factors contribute to RwandAir’s reputation as one of the best airlines in Africa for regional travel.
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4. South African Airways (SAA): A Resilient National Carrier
South African Airways has long been one of the most recognized airlines in Africa. In the most recent awards, it ranked as the fourth-best airline on the continent.
Over the past few years, SAA has been rebuilding and renewing its operations. Highlights include:
- Improved global ranking, moving from #69 in 2024 to #67 in 2025.
- Efforts to modernize its fleet and expand route networks from key South African airports.
- A focus on attracting more passengers through consistent service improvements.
Though its history has included operational challenges, SAA’s current trajectory places it among the best airlines in Africa, with renewed competitiveness in continental and international travel.
5. EgyptAir: Notable Improvement and Growth
EgyptAir ranks among the continent’s best carriers at #5 and is widely considered one of the most improved airlines in Africa.
Factors that contribute to its strong standing include:
- Fleet modernization aimed at improving service reliability.
- Service accolades, including customer service recognition like Best Cabin Crew in Africa and Best Economy Class Meals in Africa.
- A strategic geographic position connecting Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
EgyptAir’s improvement in global rankings from #88 in 2024 to #68 in 2025 reflects ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience.
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6. Royal Air Maroc: North Africa’s Global Bridge
Royal Air Maroc is another key carrier often featured among the best airlines in Africa.
Based in Morocco, Royal Air Maroc plays a critical role in connecting North Africa with Europe and the Americas. Features of its service include:
- Strategic route expansion into Europe and the United States.
- Balanced in-flight comfort and network breadth.
- A stable presence in global rankings, indicating consistent service quality.
While its global ranking shifted in recent years, Royal Air Maroc remains a key member of the top African airlines.
7. Kenya Airways: Strong Regional Performance
Kenya Airways, another of Africa’s flagship carriers, is recognized for its regional connectivity, service standards, and operational presence.
Although Kenya Airways ranked lower in global position compared to some peers, it remains one of the top African airlines due to:
- Good customer service and expanding network across East Africa, Southern Africa, and global points.
- Recognition for on-time performance and customer satisfaction from independent industry sources.
- A strong brand presence in regional markets.
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Kenya Airways plays an important role in intra-continental air travel, contributing to its reputation among Africa’s best carriers.
You can learn more about this list from our article, 10 Top Airlines in Africa | Latest Update.
Best Low-Cost and Regional Airlines in Africa
Beyond full-service flag carriers, several budget and regional airlines play a growing role in connecting smaller markets within Africa. Low-cost carriers and regional specialists also form part of the broader landscape of best airlines in Africa:
FlySafair and LIFT
- FlySafair was ranked as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at the Skytrax awards.
- LIFT took second place among low-cost carriers.
- Both airlines are recognized for making regional air travel more affordable while maintaining reasonable service quality.
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Fastjet, Jambojet, and fly540
- These budget carriers also featured in award lists, reflecting their importance in improving regional connectivity across Southern and East Africa.
Airlink
- A regional operator that won recognition for cleanliness and strong service standards, reflecting its role in connecting secondary cities and shorter routes.
These carriers may not always appear in global top-100 lists, but they contribute significantly to regional mobility and qualify as some of the best airlines in Africa for domestic and short-haul travelers.
What Makes an Airline One of the Best in Africa?
The criteria used by global ranking systems like Skytrax and other independent analysts help explain why certain carriers rise to the top:
- Passenger Satisfaction: Extensive surveys capture traveler feedback on comfort, staff service, and overall travel experience.
- Operational Reliability: Punctuality, efficiency, and dependable flight operations influence airline reputations.
- Safety and Maintenance: Sound safety practices and modern fleets enhance confidence among travelers.
- Network Reach: The ability to connect cities within Africa and beyond underscores an airline’s relevance to global travel.
By these measures, the airlines listed above have demonstrated strengths that justify their ranking among the best airlines in Africa.
Conclusion
The African aviation sector is constantly growing, with several carriers appearing as reliable, service-oriented, and globally competitive. Ethiopian Airlines continues its long-standing dominance as Africa’s leading airline, while others like Air Mauritius, RwandAir, and South African Airways hold strong positions in both regional prominence and global recognition.
Budget and regional carriers such as FlySafair and LIFT have also expanded the options of quality air travel by increasing accessibility and enhancing competitive service. Collectively, these airlines represent the best of African aviation as we move into 2026.
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