Skytrax World’s Best Airlines 2025: Africa’s Top Performers

Paris, June 2025 – The Skytrax World’s Best Airlines 2025 awards, announced at the Paris Air Show, once again spotlight the continent’s leading carriers. The rankings, compiled from millions of passenger surveys across more than 100 countries, are widely regarded as the “Oscars of the aviation industry,” reflecting the highest standards of service, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

This year, Ethiopian Airlines leads the pack, but the list includes a diverse group of airlines that continue to raise the bar for African aviation.

Top 10 African Airlines by Skytrax 2025

Airline Highlights

1. Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines retains its crown as Africa’s best, recognized for the eighth consecutive year as “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax. The airline operates over 140 international destinations and boasts one of the youngest, most modern fleets on the continent, including Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s. Its Vision 2035 strategy aims to double its fleet and expand its global footprint, while investments in cargo and training continue to set industry standards. The airline’s resilience during the pandemic, rapid network expansion, and commitment to service excellence keep it at the forefront of African aviation.

2. Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius has surged in the rankings, now second in Africa. The airline is praised for its modern fleet, strong regional connectivity, and award-winning service. Recent years have seen Air Mauritius focus on sustainability, customer experience, and expanding its presence in Southern and Eastern Africa.

3. RwandAir
RwandAir was named Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax awards, reflecting its growing reputation for service quality and operational reliability. The Kigali-based carrier is expanding its network, investing in new aircraft, and positioning Rwanda as a regional aviation hub. RwandAir’s consistent focus on customer satisfaction and attention to detail has earned it a loyal following among regional travelers.

4. South African Airways (SAA)
SAA continues its steady comeback, climbing in global rankings and investing heavily in fleet renewal. The airline has resumed and expanded routes, signaling renewed ambition and a commitment to sustainability. SAA’s Vision 2025 strategy focuses on connecting more African cities and restoring its reputation as a leading carrier.

5. Egyptair
Egyptair was recognized as the most improved airline in Africa, with awards for customer service, cabin crew, and onboard catering. The airline is modernizing its fleet and expanding its network, reinforcing its role as a key North African and Middle Eastern connector.

6–10: Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways, TAAG Angola Airlines, Fastjet, Air Senegal
These airlines round out the top 10, each contributing to Africa’s aviation landscape with expanding networks, improved service, and regional connectivity. Royal Air Maroc and Kenya Airways, in particular, are noted for their international reach and investments in new aircraft.

Skytrax Rankings: Methodology and Significance

The Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on an independent, global passenger survey conducted from September 2024 to May 2025. More than 22 million eligible entries from travelers in over 100 countries were collected, making the results a comprehensive barometer of customer satisfaction. Airlines are evaluated on a wide range of criteria, including service quality, cabin comfort, in-flight entertainment, cleanliness, and staff professionalism.

Industry Perspective

Experts note that African aviation is entering a new era of opportunity and transformation. The continent’s leading airlines are modernizing fleets, expanding networks, and investing in service excellence. Ethiopian Airlines’ dominance highlights the importance of strategic investments and pan-African partnerships, while carriers like RwandAir and SAA demonstrate the potential for resilience and reinvention.

However, challenges remain. Infrastructure deficits, regulatory fragmentation, and high operating costs continue to hinder growth. The slow progress of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) underscores the need for greater regional integration and policy harmonization.

What It Means Going Forward

For travelers, the 2025 Skytrax rankings signal a continent where service, reliability, and innovation are on the rise. Passengers can expect more choices, better connectivity, and higher standards from Africa’s leading carriers.

For the African aviation sector, the rankings are a call to action. Continued investment in fleet modernization, training, and infrastructure—alongside policy reforms—will be crucial for unlocking the continent’s full potential. As Ethiopian Airlines, Air Mauritius, RwandAir, and others lead the way, the future of African aviation looks brighter than ever.