Top 10 Best Airlines in Africa: Expert Rankings and Reviews

Are you planning a trip to Africa and wondering which best airlines in Africa to choose? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which airline will offer the best experience. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top airlines in Africa, as well as their international recognition, safety measures, and customer satisfaction ratings.

Africa is a vast continent, with a diverse range of cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re looking to explore the bustling cities of South Africa or the stunning natural beauty of Tanzania, there’s no shortage of destinations to choose from. However, getting there can be a challenge, especially if you’re traveling from another continent. That’s where African airlines come in. These airlines offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel throughout the continent, with routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations.

So, what makes an airline the “best” in Africa? There are many factors to consider, from the quality of the in-flight service to the safety record of the airline. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top African airlines and what sets them apart from the competition. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning your first trip to Africa, this guide will help you make an informed decision about which airline to choose.

Key Takeaways

• Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, and Kenya Airways are among the top airlines in Africa.
• These airlines have received international recognition for their quality of service and safety measures.
• Choosing the right African airline can make your travel experience more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Overview of African Airlines

Are you planning a trip to Africa? If so, you’ll likely be taking a flight on one of the many African airlines that operate on the continent. With a wide range of options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which airline to choose. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top African airlines and national carriers, as well as the state of air travel in Africa.

African airlines have come a long way in recent years. Although safety concerns have been raised in the past, many national carriers (such as Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways) are now on par with first-world airlines in terms of service and safety. In fact, Ethiopian Airlines was named the top African airline for the second year in a row in a survey conducted between September 2019 and July 2021.

Air travel in Africa has also seen significant growth in recent years, with many new airlines entering the market. However, challenges such as high operating costs, limited infrastructure, and political instability continue to hamper the growth of the industry. Despite these challenges, many African airlines are working hard to improve their operations and provide a better experience for their passengers.

When it comes to national carriers, each African country has its own airline. Some of the most well-known national carriers include Kenya Airways, EgyptAir, and Royal Air Maroc. These airlines typically offer a range of domestic and international flights, as well as cargo services.

In addition to national carriers, there are also a number of low-cost carriers operating in Africa. These airlines, such as Fastjet and FlySafair, offer affordable flights for those on a budget. However, it’s important to note that low-cost carriers may not offer the same level of service as their more expensive counterparts.

Overall, air travel in Africa continues to evolve and improve. With a wide range of airlines and national carriers to choose from, there’s never been a better time to explore the continent by air.

Top African Airlines

If you’re planning a trip to Africa, you might be wondering which airlines to choose from. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the top African airlines that you should consider for your next trip.

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is the top African airline, according to several surveys. It’s the flag carrier of Ethiopia and is headquartered in Addis Ababa. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 125 destinations worldwide. Ethiopian Airlines is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is another top African airline that you should consider. It’s the flag carrier of Kenya and is based in Nairobi. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 50 destinations worldwide. Kenya Airways is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

South African Airways

South African Airways is the flag carrier of South Africa and is based in Johannesburg. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 35 destinations worldwide. South African Airways is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

EgyptAir

EgyptAir is the flag carrier of Egypt and is based in Cairo. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 70 destinations worldwide. EgyptAir is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc is the flag carrier of Morocco and is based in Casablanca. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 90 destinations worldwide. Royal Air Maroc is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles is the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles and is based in Mahé. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 10 destinations worldwide. Air Seychelles is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius is the flag carrier of Mauritius and is based in Port Louis. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 20 destinations worldwide. Air Mauritius is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

RwandAir

RwandAir is the national airline of Rwanda and is based in Kigali. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 20 destinations worldwide. RwandAir is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

FastJet

FastJet is a British-South African holding company that manages a series of African low-cost carriers. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 10 destinations worldwide. FastJet is known for its affordable prices and on-time performance.

Safair

Safair is a South African airline that operates both passenger and cargo flights. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 10 destinations worldwide. Safair is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance.

Air Senegal

Air Senegal is the national airline of Senegal and is based in Dakar. The airline has a fleet of modern aircraft and flies to over 10 destinations worldwide. Air Senegal is known for its excellent service, comfortable seating, and on-time performance. They also offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music.

These are just a few of the top African airlines that you should consider for your next trip. Whether you’re looking for excellent service, comfortable seating, or affordable prices, these airlines have got you covered. So, book your tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Africa!

International Recognition

As an avid traveler, you know that one of the most important factors in choosing an airline is its reputation. You want to fly with an airline that is reliable, safe and provides excellent service. In this section, we’ll take a look at the international recognition that African airlines have received, specifically in the Skytrax World Airline Awards and Business Insider Rankings.

Skytrax World Airline Awards

Skytrax is a leading provider of airline ratings and reviews, and their World Airline Awards are highly respected in the industry. The awards are based on the votes of millions of airline passengers from around the world, making them a true reflection of customer satisfaction.

In 2022, Ethiopian Airlines was named the Best Airline in Africa by Skytrax, for the sixth year in a row. The airline also ranked 44th in the Top 100 Airlines list. Ethiopian Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which is the world’s largest airline alliance.

Business Insider Rankings

Business Insider is a popular business news website that covers a wide range of topics, including travel. Their rankings of the best airlines in Africa are based on factors such as customer satisfaction, safety, and on-time performance.

In 2022, Ethiopian Airlines once again topped the list, followed by Air Mauritius and South African Airways. These airlines have consistently performed well in the Business Insider rankings, demonstrating their commitment to providing excellent service to their customers.

In conclusion, African airlines have received international recognition for their commitment to providing safe, reliable, and excellent service to their customers. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can trust that these airlines will provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.

Customer Satisfaction

Flying can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re traveling, you want to know that the airline you’re flying with is going to take care of you. That’s why customer satisfaction is such an important factor to consider when choosing an airline.

One way to measure customer satisfaction is through customer surveys. These surveys ask passengers to rate their experience with the airline, from the check-in process to the quality of the in-flight entertainment. The results of these surveys can be used to determine which airlines are doing the best job of keeping their customers happy.

One of the most well-known passenger satisfaction surveys is the World Airline Awards, conducted annually by Skytrax. This survey uses a value-for-money metric system to determine the methodology for its surveys. In 2022, over 13 million eligible survey entries were counted in the final results. The customer survey operated from September 2021 to August 2022.

According to the 2022 World Airline Awards, Ethiopian Airlines was ranked as the best airline in Africa for the second year in a row. Ethiopian Airlines received high marks for its in-flight service, food, and value for money. Royal Air Maroc and South African Airways were also highly rated, coming in at second and third place, respectively.

Other airlines that received high marks for customer satisfaction include Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius, Egyptair, RwandAir, and FlySafair. These airlines were recognized for their comfortable seats, friendly staff, and overall quality of service.

It’s important to note that customer satisfaction surveys are just one way to measure an airline’s performance. However, they can be a useful tool when deciding which airline to fly with. By choosing an airline that has a reputation for keeping its customers happy, you can help ensure that your travel experience is as stress-free as possible.

Safety Measures

When it comes to choosing an airline, safety is a top priority. You want to know that you’re in good hands and that the airline has taken all necessary measures to ensure your safety. In Africa, there are many airlines that prioritize safety and have implemented various measures to ensure the safety of their passengers.

One of the most important safety measures that airlines take is the implementation of global safety standards. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global standards for aviation safety and airlines that adhere to these standards are considered to be safer than those that don’t. In Africa, only 28 out of 54 countries have an effective implementation rate of ICAO SARPS, leaving considerable room for improvement.

Another safety measure that airlines take is the implementation of safety audits. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) conducts safety audits called the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) to ensure that airlines are operating safely. Airlines that pass the IOSA audit are considered to be safer than those that don’t. Currently, 403 airlines are on the IOSA Registry, including 115 non-IATA members.

In addition to these measures, airlines have also implemented various COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure the safety of their passengers during the pandemic. The Safe Travel Barometer rates airlines based on their implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols, with Africa World Airlines being rated as the second-highest safest airline in Africa.

Overall, when choosing an airline in Africa, it’s important to prioritize safety. Look for airlines that adhere to global safety standards, have passed safety audits, and have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re in good hands and that your safety is the airline’s top priority.

Economic Impact on Africa

Flying is not just about traveling from one place to another. It is also about boosting the economy of the countries that the airlines operate in. The aviation industry is a significant contributor to the African economy. The airlines in Africa create jobs, generate revenue, and connect the continent with the rest of the world.

The African market is still an emerging market, and the aviation industry is one of the most promising sectors for growth. The airlines in Africa are playing a crucial role in the development of the continent. They are opening up new routes, creating new opportunities, and contributing to the growth of the African economy.

The aviation industry in Africa is creating jobs in various sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, and transportation. The airlines are also creating jobs in the aviation industry itself, such as pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. The airlines are also creating jobs indirectly, such as in the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft.

The airlines in Africa are generating revenue for the countries that they operate in. They are bringing in foreign investment, and they are also contributing to the growth of the local economy. The airlines are also generating revenue through the transport of goods, such as cargo and mail.

The aviation industry in Africa is connecting the continent with the rest of the world. The airlines are opening up new routes, and they are also connecting the countries in Africa. The airlines are also making it easier for people to travel within the continent, which is essential for the growth of the African economy.

In conclusion, the aviation industry in Africa is playing a crucial role in the development of the continent. The airlines are creating jobs, generating revenue, and connecting the continent with the rest of the world. The aviation industry is one of the most promising sectors for growth in the African economy.

Future of Air Travel in Africa

Are you excited about the future of air travel in Africa? From innovation to low-cost carriers, the future of air travel in Africa looks promising.

Innovation is driving the future of air travel in Africa. Airlines are investing in new technologies to improve the passenger experience. For example, Ethiopian Airlines has introduced a mobile app that allows passengers to book flights, check in, and access their boarding pass from their mobile device. This innovation has made air travel more convenient and efficient for passengers.

Low-cost carriers are also playing a significant role in the future of air travel in Africa. These airlines are making air travel more accessible to a wider range of people. They are also challenging traditional airlines by offering competitive prices and better services. Fastjet, for example, is a British-South African holding company that manages a series of African low-cost carriers. These airlines are making air travel more affordable and accessible to people across Africa.

Non-stop flights are also becoming more popular in Africa. These flights are saving passengers time and money by eliminating the need for layovers. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, has introduced a non-stop flight from Addis Ababa to Los Angeles. This flight has reduced travel time and made air travel more convenient for passengers.

In conclusion, the future of air travel in Africa looks bright. Airlines are investing in innovation, low-cost carriers are making air travel more accessible, and non-stop flights are saving passengers time and money. These changes are making air travel more convenient and efficient for passengers across Africa.

Travel Destinations

Are you planning a trip to Africa and wondering where to go? Look no further! Here are some of the top travel destinations in Africa that you shouldn’t miss.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa. It’s a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history and culture. You can visit the Apartheid Museum to learn about the country’s past or take a trip to the top of the iconic Carlton Centre for panoramic views of the city.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a city full of contrasts. It’s a modern metropolis with skyscrapers and shopping malls, but it’s also home to ancient churches and museums that showcase the country’s rich history. You can visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the famous Lucy skeleton, or take a walk through the bustling Mercato market to experience the local culture.

Casablanca

Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a mix of European and Moroccan influences. You can visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, or take a stroll through the old medina to experience the traditional Moroccan way of life.

Cape Town

Cape Town, located at the southern tip of South Africa, is a city of natural beauty and cultural diversity. You can take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, or visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood to experience the local culture.

Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a city steeped in history and culture. You can visit the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, or take a stroll through the bustling Khan el-Khalili market to experience the local culture.

Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a city of contrasts. You can visit the Nairobi National Park, located just a few kilometers from the city center, to see lions, giraffes, and other wildlife, or take a walk through the bustling city streets to experience the local culture.

Accra

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is a city full of energy and culture. You can visit the Independence Square to see the Black Star Gate, a symbol of Ghana’s independence, or take a stroll through the bustling Makola market to experience the local culture.

Dakar

Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a city of contrasts. You can visit the African Renaissance Monument, one of the tallest statues in Africa, or take a walk through the colorful Medina market to experience the local culture.

Lagos

Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, is a city full of life and energy. You can visit the National Museum Lagos to learn about the country’s history and culture or take a stroll through the bustling Balogun market to experience the local culture.

Khartoum

Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is a city of contrasts. You can visit the National Museum of Sudan to see artifacts from ancient civilizations, or take a stroll through the colorful Omdurman market to experience the local culture.

No matter where you go in Africa, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!

FAQs

Are you planning a trip to Africa and wondering which airlines to choose from? Here are some frequently asked questions about the best airlines in Africa to help you make an informed decision.

Now that you have a better understanding of the top airlines in Africa, you can make an informed decision on which airline to choose for your next trip.