While long-haul giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways often steal the spotlight, it’s the regional airlines that keep continents truly connected, especially in Africa, where local carriers bridge gaps between major cities, remote towns, and fast-growing economic hubs.
- Business Insider Africa presents the best regional airlines in Africa in 2025, according to latest ranking.
- The list is courtesy of Skytrax.
- RwandAir took the top spot, earning the title of Best Regional Airline in Africa.
While long-haul giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways often steal the spotlight, it’s the regional airlines that keep continents truly connected, especially in Africa, where local carriers bridge gaps between major cities, remote towns, and fast-growing economic hubs.
In a continent where geography and infrastructure can challenge even the most seasoned traveller, regional airlines play a vital role in unlocking mobility, trade, and tourism.
DON’T MISS THIS: Best airlines in Africa in 2025, according to latest ranking
At the 2025 World Airline Awards, Skytrax once again honoured the best in global aviation, based on votes from millions of passengers across more than 100 nationalities. And regarding regional excellence in Africa, RwandAir took the top spot, earning the title of Best Regional Airline in Africa.
With its hub in Kigali, RwandAir has built a reputation for reliability, safety, and customer service, steadily expanding its reach across East, Central, and Southern Africa. Its commitment to modern fleets and punctual service has made it a favourite among travellers navigating regional routes.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines continues to lead the pack overall, securing the title of Best Airline in Africa for the seventh straight year. While it’s no longer just a regional player, thanks to its intercontinental network, its domestic and intra-African routes remain among the continent’s most efficient and extensive.
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Air Mauritius, another standout, climbed second in the Skytrax Africa rankings, recognized for its strong service quality and connections linking the island nation to mainland Africa, Asia, and Europe.
With customer satisfaction at the heart of the Skytrax rankings, Africa’s regional airlines are proving they can deliver world-class service, even without flying across oceans.
Below are the best regional airlines in Africa in 2025, according to latest ranking
| Rank | Airline |
|---|---|
| 1 | RwandAir |
| 2 | Royal Air Maroc |
| 3 | Airlink |
| 4 | Nile Air |
| 5 | Tunisair |
| 6 | LAM Mozambique Airlines |
| 7 | Air Senegal |
| 8 | Uganda Airlines |
| 9 | Air Botswana |
| 10 | ASKY Airlines |
