The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, unveiled in June at the Paris Air Show, have once again spotlighted global aviation excellence, with Qatar Airways retaining its crown as the world’s top carrier. Drawing from over 100 million passenger surveys, the rankings celebrate airlines excelling in service, comfort and innovation. Yet, amid the glamour of Asian and Middle Eastern giants, Africa’s carriers are carving out a stronger presence, with seven making the prestigious Top 100 list—a testament to resilience in a post-pandemic era marked by fuel volatility and supply chain woes.
At the forefront stands Ethiopian Airlines, clinching the 35th spot globally and, crucially, the title of Best Airline in Africa for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year. The Addis Ababa-based flag carrier, Africa’s largest by fleet and destinations, earned praise for its premium economy innovations and expansive Star Alliance network spanning 130 cities. CEO Mesfin Tasew hailed the honour as a nod to Ethiopia’s “unwavering commitment to connectivity,” amid plans to add 20 new aircraft by 2027, boosting intra-African routes that currently handle just 20% of the continent’s air traffic.
Trailing closely is Royal Air Maroc at 55th, a steady climber lauded for its onboard Moroccan cuisine and efficient Casablanca hub, which funnels 40% of Africa’s Europe-bound flights. South African Airways (SAA) rebounded to 69th, its highest in years, thanks to a government rescue package that restored key routes like Johannesburg to New York. Kenya Airways followed at 77th, with passengers raving about its wildlife-themed safety videos and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta upgrades.
RwandAir (81st), Air Mauritius (85th) and Egyptair (88th) round out the African contingent, each gaining ground through targeted service enhancements. RwandAir, for instance, snagged Best Regional Airline in Africa, leveraging Kigali’s “airport city” vision to attract tech investments.
These rankings underscore Africa’s aviation renaissance, where carriers now serve 1.2 billion passengers annually—up 15% since 2020—yet face hurdles like underinvestment in sustainable fuels. As Ethiopian eyes further expansion, the continent’s skies promise more triumphs, bridging economic divides and fostering pan-African trade.