When it comes to global aviation excellence, African airlines are increasingly making their mark. While 2019 saw six African airlines on the prestigious Skytrax World’s Best 100 Airlines list, the years that followed, especially post-2020, have seen remarkable resilience, strategic growth, and significant improvements across the board. African carriers are not only expanding their networks but also enhancing their passenger experience, demonstrating a strong commitment to competing on the world stage.
As of 2025, the continent’s airlines continue to impress, with several achieving prestigious rankings and accolades from the highly respected Skytrax World Airline Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the aviation industry.” This year’s rankings highlight a vibrant and evolving aviation sector.
Africa’s Aviation Elite: Skytrax 2025 Overview
The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards showcase a dynamic and competitive African aviation landscape. Passenger satisfaction surveys, which form the bedrock of these awards, highlight a continent on the rise.
- Ethiopian Airlines proudly holds its position as the Best Airline in Africa for the eighth consecutive year, a testament to its consistent excellence.
- Air Mauritius has made an impressive leap, now securing the second spot in Africa.
- RwandAir has emerged as a significant force, earning the title of Best Regional Airline in Africa and ranking third overall on the continent.
- South African Airways (SAA) is steadily climbing the ranks as it continues its remarkable comeback story.
- Egyptair has been recognized as the Most Improved Airline in Africa, alongside other significant awards for its passenger services.
- Royal Air Maroc and Kenya Airways also maintain their strong presence among the continent’s leading carriers, securing spots within the African top 10.
A Closer Look at Africa’s Top Performers
The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards showcase a dynamic and competitive African aviation landscape. Passenger satisfaction surveys, which form the bedrock of these awards, highlight a continent on the rise.
1. Ethiopian Airlines
- 2025 Africa Rank: #1 | 2019 World Rank: #44
Ethiopian Airlines remains the undisputed leader in African aviation. It is renowned for its expansive global network, state-of-the-art fleet, and consistent delivery of high-quality service, earning it numerous awards from industry insiders and passengers alike.
Why Fly This: Ethiopian Airlines offers an extensive network of both continental and intercontinental flights, including direct services to major cities in North America, Europe, and Asia. With a commitment to modern aircraft (average fleet age was 6 years in 2019), passengers experience comfortable and efficient travel. The airline is also a member of the Star Alliance network.
Best Features & Recent Developments: While historically praised for unique touches like serving local injera bread, Ethiopian Airlines’ current strength lies in its relentless pursuit of growth and operational excellence.
In July 2025, the airline unveiled a $150 million investment in new aviation infrastructure, including advanced hangars and an Aircraft Component Shop, bolstering its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
This is part of their ambitious Vision 2035 strategy, aiming to double its fleet, expand its global footprint to over 160 passenger and cargo destinations, and establish Addis Ababa as a pivotal aviation hub. Ethiopian also recently launched new routes to Sharjah (UAE), Hyderabad (India), Oporto (Portugal), and Hanoi (Vietnam), reflecting its global expansion strategy.
Customer Sentiment (Historically noted): Past customer reviews frequently highlighted cozy flights, amazing hostess hospitality, comfortable seats with sufficient legroom, and efficient, clean cabins with good food.
Areas of Note (Historically noted): Some historical feedback pointed to limited in-flight entertainment and spicy food. There were also mentions of flight delays and a crowded main hub (Bole International Airport), with ground staff occasionally being less helpful. However, the airline’s significant investments aim to mitigate these issues and enhance the overall passenger journey.
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2. Air Mauritius
- 2025 Africa Rank: #2 | 2019 World Rank: #61
Air Mauritius has made a remarkable ascent in the rankings, a testament to its dedication to a modern fleet, strong regional and international connectivity, and an unwavering focus on excellent customer service.
Why Fly This: Air Mauritius provides seamless nonstop flights to diverse destinations across China, Hong Kong, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Kenya, and India. Passengers consistently report ample legroom, even in Economy class, making for a more comfortable journey.
Best Features & Recent Developments: The airline continues to leverage its modern fleet, including Airbus A330-900neo jetliners on key routes. Recent strategic moves include the launch of direct flights from Chennai in April 2025 and the resumption of Delhi-Mauritius direct flights from May 2025, significantly boosting its presence in the Asian market.
Air Mauritius’s focus remains on sustainability and an enhanced passenger experience. The airline recently announced the appointment of Andre Viljoen as its new CEO, effective October 2025, signaling a renewed strategic direction.
Customer Sentiment (Historically noted): Passengers consistently praise the amazing aircraft quality, excellent flight service, comfortable seats with enough legroom, and great food. Friendly staff who go the extra mile, including offering amenities for children, are often highlighted.
Areas of Note (Historically noted): Previous feedback occasionally noted non-functional entertainment systems on some older aircraft.
3. Air Seychelles
- 2025 Africa Rank: #3 | 2019 World Rank: #88
While not always appearing at the very top of overall Skytrax African lists, Air Seychelles has distinguished itself as a leading carrier in the Indian Ocean region, consistently delivering quality service and demonstrating strong financial performance.
Why Fly This: Air Seychelles is recognized for its high-quality service, cabins with ample legroom, and friendly, attentive cabin crew. It operates flights to 10 destinations from Seychelles International Airport in Mahe.
Best Features & Recent Developments: Air Seychelles offers generous baggage allowances (up to two bags of 32 kg each) and provides onboard Wi-Fi for entertainment. Significantly, Air Seychelles was crowned the “World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean” for the second consecutive year in November 2024 and also won “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline 2025”.
“Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2025” and “Indian Ocean’s Leading Cabin Crew 2025” at the 32nd World Travel Awards in June 2025. The airline achieved a landmark profit of USD 7 million in 2023 and launched a new direct service to Abu Dhabi in May 2025.
Customer Sentiment (Historically noted): Customers praise the comfortable seats, sufficient legroom, friendly cabin crew, and high-quality food and hospitality.
Areas of Note (Historically noted): Past feedback included instances of flight delays and occasional unhelpful customer service in specific situations.
4. RwandAir
- 2025 Africa Rank: #4 | 2019 World Rank: Not in Top 100
RwandAir has rapidly ascended, recognized as the Best Regional Airline in Africa and securing the 3rd overall spot in Africa by Skytrax 2025. Based in Kigali, it is gaining global recognition for its high service standards, reliability, and crucial role in connecting African cities.
Why Fly This: RwandAir is known for its dynamic expansion and strong regional presence, connecting more than 30 destinations worldwide, including key international routes to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It’s often praised for its punctuality and customer-centric approach.
Best Features & Recent Developments: RwandAir was named the Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, reflecting its growing reputation for service quality and operational reliability.
The airline is actively expanding its network, investing in new aircraft, and positioning Rwanda as a regional aviation hub. Its consistent focus on customer satisfaction and attention to detail has earned it a loyal following among regional travelers.
Customer Sentiment (Generally noted): Passengers highlight the airline’s friendly service, punctuality, and commitment to high operational standards.
5. South African Airways (SAA)
- 2025 Africa Rank: #5 | 2019 World Rank: #46
South African Airways is on a determined path of revitalization, steadily reclaiming its position as a vital connector within Africa and to the world. Its comeback story is marked by strategic network expansion and fleet modernization.
Why Fly SAA: SAA offers crucial direct flights, such as Johannesburg to Washington-Dulles, and has significantly expanded its intra-African routes through its subsidiary, Mango. This makes SAA an excellent choice for business travelers and tourists looking to explore sub-Saharan Africa. The airline is heavily investing in fleet renewal to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Best Features & Recent Developments: SAA provides convenient connections across sub-Saharan Africa, vital for trade and tourism. In January 2025, SAA relaunched daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening regional economic ties.
Furthermore, SAA expanded services to Harare and Lusaka in late 2024 and increased flight frequencies to Lagos, Accra, and Kinshasa, alongside adding a new route to Lubumbashi. The airline is also expanding its domestic footprint, with plans to resume flights to George, East London, and the Cape Town-Durban corridor by April 2026.
Customer Sentiment (Historically noted): Passengers have frequently reported timely flights, great service, comfort, and thoughtful amenities provided during the flight.
Areas of Note (Historically noted): Past complaints included issues with in-flight entertainment not working, unexplained flight delays, and instances of unhelpful staff. SAA’s ongoing revitalization efforts are squarely aimed at addressing these historical concerns.
6. Egyptair
- 2025 Africa Rank: #6 | 2019 World Rank: Not in Top 100
Egyptair has shown remarkable progress, being recognized as the Most Improved Airline in Africa by Skytrax 2025. This reflects significant enhancements in its fleet, service standards, and a renewed focus on the overall passenger experience.
Why Fly This: As a crucial North African and Middle Eastern connector, Egyptair offers a wide network, facilitating travel for both leisure and business. The airline is actively modernizing its fleet and expanding its network.
Best Features & Recent Developments: Egyptair received multiple accolades in 2025, including “Best Economy Class On-board Catering in Africa,” “Best Airline Staff in Africa,” and “Best Cabin Crew in Africa,” underscoring its commitment to improving the passenger journey. Its impressive growth is attributed to significant enhancements in its fleet and onboard experience.
Customer Sentiment (Generally noted): Passengers are increasingly praising its improved customer service, cabin crew, and catering.
7. Royal Air Maroc
- 2025 Africa Rank: #7 | 2019 World Rank: #93
Headquartered in Casablanca, Royal Air Maroc serves as a critical bridge between Africa, Europe, and North America. As a member of the Oneworld Alliance, it offers seamless global connectivity and continues to expand its network.
Why Fly This: Royal Air Maroc operates a modern fleet, including Boeing Dreamliner planes, offering both international and local flights. It provides direct services to major North American gateways like Washington Dulles, JFK, and Miami.
Best Features & Recent Developments: The airline boasts a loyalty scheme called Safar Flyer, rewarding frequent travelers. Its Boeing 787s feature pressurized cabins and specialized lighting designed to minimize jetlag.
In June 2025, Royal Air Maroc announced the launch of four new direct international routes from Casablanca starting September 2025: to Munich (Germany), Zurich (Switzerland), N’Djamena (Chad), and Sal Island (Cape Verde), further strengthening its position as a gateway to Africa.
Customer Sentiment (Historically noted): Passengers often commend the staff and comfort, particularly in Business Class, as well as the quality of food, drinks, and the hospitality of the hostesses.
Areas of Note (Historically noted): Historical complaints include flight delays and cancellations without clear explanations. There were also observations that baggage handling is often managed by ground companies rather than directly by the airline.
8. Kenya Airways
- 2025 Africa Rank: #8 | 2019 World Rank: #90
Kenya Airways, the “Pride of Africa,” continues to play a pivotal role in connecting East Africa to the rest of the globe. The airline is renowned for its strategic network expansion and award-winning staff service.
Why Fly This: Kenya Airways is actively pursuing an ambitious plan to expand its network, with increased frequencies and additional destinations across Africa, Asia, and Europe. It offers crucial direct flights to JFK, solidifying its transcontinental links. The airline’s “Africa First” strategy underscores its commitment to strengthening intra-African connectivity.
Best Features & Recent Developments: Kenya Airways was proudly awarded “Best Airline Staff Service in Africa” at the 2024 World Airline Awards, a testament to its dedicated team. In March and June 2024, KQ boosted its network with increased frequencies to five destinations and added new routes to Eldoret and Maputo.
The airline also increased peak frequencies to New York and Paris to cater to higher demand, including for the Olympics, deploying its B787-8 aircraft on key African routes like Accra and Freetown. KQ aims to serve 46 destinations by the end of 2024.
Customer Sentiment (Historically noted): Customers have consistently praised the impressive service, even in Economy class, and noted the punctuality of departures and arrivals, expressing a strong desire to fly Kenya Airways again.
Areas of Note (Historically noted): Occasional flight delays and reports of staff being unhelpful in handling such situations were past concerns.
9. FlySafair
- 2025 Africa Rank: #9 | 2019 World Rank: Not in Top 100
South Africa’s leading low-cost carrier, FlySafair, has earned its place in the Top 10 by consistently offering affordable, reliable, and punctual domestic flights, making air travel more accessible within the region.
Why Fly This: FlySafair is highly regarded for its punctuality and efficiency, providing a cost-effective option for travelers primarily within South Africa. It focuses on delivering a streamlined and dependable travel experience.
Best Features: Recognized as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa for 2025 by Skytrax, FlySafair’s strength lies in its strong operational performance and consistent customer satisfaction for budget travel.
10. LIFT
- 2025 Africa Rank: #10 | 2019 World Rank: Not in Top 100
Another South African success story, LIFT, has rapidly gained popularity as a flexible and customer-centric domestic airline. Its unique model emphasizes simplicity and adaptability for travelers.
Why Fly This: LIFT offers competitive fares and a focus on flexibility, allowing passengers to change flights without penalties (within certain conditions). It aims to make domestic travel effortless and enjoyable.
Best Features: LIFT was ranked second in the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa’ category by Skytrax in 2025, a testament to its strong operational performance and growing market presence since its launch.
11. Fastjet
- 2025 Africa Rank: #11 | 2019 World Rank: Not in Top 100
Operating primarily in Southern Africa, Fastjet offers crucial regional connectivity as a low-cost carrier. It plays a significant role in making air travel accessible across borders in its operational areas.
Why Fly This: Fastjet provides affordable flights connecting various destinations, particularly in Zimbabwe and South Africa, making regional travel more feasible for a broader range of passengers.
Best Features: As a prominent low-cost, regional airline, Fastjet contributes significantly to intra-African connectivity, helping to unlock travel and trade opportunities in its operating regions.
Rising Stars: RwandAir and Egyptair
Beyond the airlines initially highlighted, RwandAir has rapidly ascended, recognized as the Best Regional Airline in Africa and ranking 3rd overall in Africa by Skytrax 2025. It’s noted for its growing network, investment in new aircraft, and consistent focus on customer satisfaction.
Similarly, Egyptair has become a significant player, named the most improved airline in Africa by Skytrax 2025, praised for its enhanced customer service, cabin crew, and catering. It is actively modernizing its fleet and expanding its network as a crucial North African and Middle Eastern connector
The Future is Bright for African Aviation
The African aviation sector is undergoing a profound transformation, characterized by dynamism, resilience, and ambitious growth plans. The consistent presence and rising performance of these airlines on global best lists underscore a collective commitment to improving safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.
With ongoing investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, fleet modernization, and strategic network expansions, African airlines are not merely connecting the continent; they are increasingly vital links in the global air travel ecosystem. This robust development promises an exciting and prosperous future for both African travelers and the broader aviation industry.