10 Best Airlines in Africa

  When it comes to air travel in Africa, there are several airlines to choose from, including full-service carriers and low-cost airlines. These airlines offer a comfortable and dependable flying experience, within and outside Africa. Similarly, they all strive to improve their services to ensure passengers have seamless travel worldwide. 

Are you planning to visit and explore African destinations? A vast and diverse continent features a wide range of natural, cultural and historical attractions that awaits your discovery. Let our list of top airlines be your guide. 

These are Africa’s top 10 airlines based on a variety of criteria, such as safety, service excellence, client feedback, and fleet size. They offer a wide range of services, from regional short-haul flights to lengthy international flights. 

1. Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is Ethiopia’s national airline, with its hub in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The airline’s headquarters which was established in 1945 is located in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. It serves more than 125 destinations around the world with a fleet of more than 120 contemporary aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines is recognised for providing excellent service and has received numerous honours over the years, including Skytrax’s “Best Airline in Africa” award. 

With a focus on destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the airline provides both domestic and international flights. Since Ethiopian Airlines is a part of the Star Alliance, customers can accrue and use frequent flyer miles on a network of international airlines. The airline also provides a loyalty program called “ShebaMiles” that gives members points for each flight they take.

Ethiopian Airlines is a great option for travellers looking to explore the continent and beyond because of its cutting-edge fleet and wide-ranging destination network.

2. South African Airways

Founded in 1934 as South Africa’s national carrier, South African Airways has become one of the leading carriers in Africa. The airline ranks among the best in Africa, with its major hub at Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport. SAA is one of the biggest airlines in Africa. It has a fleet of new Airbus and Boeing planes and flies to many places in Africa and around the world.

SAA has both business class and economy class cabins with comfortable seats and a variety of services. The airline also offers a loyalty program called Voyager that offers frequent flyers points they can use to book flights and other perks.

SAA has encountered money troubles in the last few years, ultimately resulting in its “business rescue” declaration in December 2019. As of 2023, SAA is back in business and trying to get back to being the best airline in Africa.

South African Airways has established itself as a renowned and respected airline, providing people with a safe and comfortable air travel experience across Africa and elsewhere.

3. Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways started operation in 1977 after East African Airways stopped its operation. The airline referred to as ‘Africa’s Pride,’ has contributed to improving standards in the continent’s aviation industry. It operates from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and serves top destinations worldwide.

Kenya Airways has won international awards like World Travel Award for Africa’s Leading Airline. Since Kenya Airways is a part of the SkyTeam alliance, customers can accrue and use frequent flyer miles on a variety of international airlines. 

Additionally, the airline offers a loyalty program called “Flying Blue” that gives members points for every flight they take. Kenya Airways is a reputable airline that offers dependable, comfortable air travel options to passengers in Africa and beyond.

4. Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc is the national carrier of Morocco, with its hub at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. The airline’s corporate headquarters are in Casablanca, Morocco, where it was founded in 1957. It serves more than 90 destinations around the world with a fleet of more than 60 aircraft.

With a focus on locations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Royal Air Maroc offers both domestic and foreign flights. The airline is part of the Oneworld alliance, which lets people earn and use frequent flyer miles on a network of airlines around the world.

Generally, Royal Air Maroc is a reputable and well-known airline that makes it simple to travel to Morocco and other locations in Africa and beyond.

5. Fastjet

Fastjet is a popular British/South African airline that started operations in Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Today, Fastjet has established itself as a low-cost airline in Africa. It serves people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Fastjet has transported more than 2 million passengers with its hub in South Africa. The airline is known for providing passengers with inexpensive air travel options in the Southern Africa region. The airline has a “no frills” model, which means that passengers can buy extra services like meals and baggage allowances if they want to.

Fastjet has also launched a loyalty program called the “Frequent Flyer Program,” which rewards customers with points for each flight they take. These points can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades, as well as a range of other benefits. In general, Fastjet is a popular option for travellers on a tight budget seeking a dependable and affordable means of getting around some parts of Africa. 

6. RwandAir 

RwandAir is the national carrier airline of Rwanda, with its headquarters at Kigali International Airport. The airline has won the Skytrax award for the Best Airline Staff in Africa.

In addition, RwandAir provides flights to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The airline boasts some of the most modern and advanced fleets on the continent, topping the list as one of the quickest-growing carriers.

Passengers get top-notch customer service with Rwandair. They also enjoy attentive and friendly service that goes above and beyond your expectations. These services include onboard meals and entertainment, cosy seating options, and a frequent flyer program called Dream Miles.

It is a reputable airline with a solid track record of dependability, customer service and safety for infants and adults alike. Travellers looking to explore Rwanda and other regions of Africa and beyond will find RwandAir to be a fantastic option thanks to its contemporary fleet and expanding network of destinations.

7. Air Mauritius

Based at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Air Mauritius is among the largest carriers in Africa. Air Mauritius is the national flag carrier of Mauritius and started its operations in 1972. With more than 100 destinations with partners and direct flights to 23 cities, Air Mauritius has become a favourite airline in sub-Saharan Africa.  

Air Mauritius provides a distinctive and genuine experience with excellent service that make memories last for a lifetime. The airline offers comfortable seating choices, in-flight entertainment, and a variety of dining options, including Mauritian cuisine. 

Additionally, “Kestrelflyer,” an airline frequent flyer program run by Air Mauritius, offers points to passengers for each flight they take. Air Mauritius is a well-known airline that offers safe and comfortable flights to and from Mauritius. 

8. Air Seychelles

Established as a national airline, Air Seychelles started its operation in 1978 with its hub on the island of Mahe. The airline serves multiple cities in Asia, Africa, and Europe.  The airline’s head office is in Victoria, Seychelles, and it was established in 1978. It offers a variety of services to locations in Africa, Asia, and Europe while operating a current fleet of Airbus aircraft.

Over the years, the airline has received awards like the World Travel Awards for the Leading Business Class and Leading Cabin Crew in the Indian Ocean. It is also renowned for its four-star Skytrax rating and many other accolades from rating brands. The airline also has a reputation for offering its customers high-quality services, such as meals and entertainment in flight, plush seating options, and a frequent flyer program called “Seychelles Plus.”

9. FlySafair

FlySafair is a low-cost carrier in South Africa. Established in 2013, the airline offers domestic South African destinations the latest Boeing aircraft fleet.This airline is renowned for providing customers with affordable options for air travel with a focus on delivering dependable and effective service. The airline provides several types of seats, including standard seats and extra-legroom seats for a surcharge. There are also options for purchasing meals and snacks during flight.

Over the years, FlySafair has garnered numerous honours, including the “Best African Low-Cost Airline” title from Skytrax in 2020. In addition, the airline has taken a number of steps to advance sustainability and lessen its negative environmental effects, including buying fuel-efficient aircraft and launching waste management programs.

Overall, FlySafair is a trustworthy and reasonably priced airline option for travellers within South Africa.

10. Egyptair

EgyptAir is the national carrier of Egypt, with its hub at Cairo International Airport. The airline operates extensive domestic and regional scheduled passenger. Freight services are also provided across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. EgyptAir is renowned for offering its customers high-quality service. These services include in-flight meals and entertainment along with a frequent flyer program called “Safar Flyer”.

Due to Egyptair’s affiliation with the Star Alliance, customers can accrue and use frequent flyer miles on a network of international airlines. The airline provides first-rate services, such as a first-class cabin with plush seats and special amenities. It also has an excellent track record for dependability, safety, and customer service.

Now you have it; The best airlines in Africa. These airlines offer a relaxing and secure way to explore Africa and beyond, whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure. If you have travelled with any of these airlines, you can share your experience with us.