Africa’s aviation industry may not have produced the airline that took the top spot in the 2026 global rankings, but the continent has several carriers that have built strong networks across and beyond its borders.
- Business Insider Africa presents the 10 best airlines in Africa in 2026.
- The list is courtesy of Skytrax.
- African airlines are playing an increasingly important role in connecting the continent’s major cities to global markets.
From Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir to Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc and South African Airways, African airlines are playing an increasingly important role in connecting the continent’s major cities to global markets.
The rankings come as Africa’s aviation sector continues to face a mix of opportunities and challenges, including rising passenger demand, infrastructure gaps, high operating costs and limited direct connections between many African cities.
Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline in Skytrax’s 2026 World Airline Awards, securing the top position for the sixth time since the awards began in 1999. More than 325 airlines were included in the survey, which collected responses from passengers across more than 100 nationalities between September 2025 and August 2026.
Against that global backdrop, here are 10 African airlines shaping the continent’s aviation landscape:
1. Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines has grown from Ethiopia’s national carrier into Africa’s largest airline group, with Addis Ababa serving as its main hub. The airline operates one of the continent’s biggest and youngest fleets, including Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s, Boeing 777s and Boeing 737s. Its owned commercial fleet stands at 147 aircraft, with another 109 aircraft on order, showing the scale of its expansion plans. Ethiopian connects Africa to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, while continuing to expand its African network.
2. EgyptAir
EgyptAir is one of Africa’s oldest airlines and Egypt’s flag carrier, with Cairo as its principal hub. The airline has operated for more than 88 years and has built a network connecting Egypt with Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Its fleet includes Airbus A330s, A320neos, A321neos and Boeing 737-800s, 777-300s and 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline operates both passenger and cargo businesses, with EgyptAir Cargo using A330 freighters. Its Cairo hub makes it an important link between Africa, the Middle East and international markets.
3. Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius is the flag carrier of Mauritius and one of the key airlines connecting the Indian Ocean island to Africa and international markets. The airline operates a relatively compact fleet that includes four Airbus A350-900s, two A330-900neos, one A330-200 and four ATR 72 aircraft. Its network combines direct services with codeshare connections, giving passengers access to more than 70 destinations through partner airlines, alongside 13 destinations served directly. Its location makes Air Mauritius particularly important for connecting Africa with Asia, Europe, Australia and other Indian Ocean islands. The airline has also been strengthening its regional fleet, including the addition of an ATR 72-600 in 2025.
4. Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc is Morocco’s flag carrier and one of Africa’s most internationally connected airlines. Based at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, the airline uses Morocco’s geographic position between Africa, Europe and the Americas to build a broad international network. Its current network includes dozens of African destinations, major European cities, the Middle East, North America and São Paulo in South America.
5. RwandAir
RwandAir has positioned Kigali as an increasingly important aviation hub in East and Central Africa. The Rwandan carrier connects the capital with destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, London, Brussels, Paris and Dubai. Its network has continued to expand, with new services to Mombasa and Zanzibar strengthening its East African presence. In 2026, RwandAir also signed a codeshare and interline agreement with EgyptAir, giving its customers access to Cairo, Rome and Amman through the partnership. The airline’s strategy focuses on using Kigali to connect African cities that often lack convenient direct links, while creating onward connections to major global markets.
6. South African Airways
South African Airways is South Africa’s national carrier and one of the continent’s best-known aviation brands. Johannesburg and Cape Town form the core of its network, linking South Africa with destinations across Africa and selected international markets. SAA has undergone a major restructuring in recent years after financial difficulties and its entry into business rescue in 2019. The airline emerged from the process in 2021 and has since focused on rebuilding its fleet and network. It is also a member of Star Alliance, alongside carriers such as EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines. SAA’s role extends beyond passenger travel, with its network supporting business, tourism and trade links between South Africa and other African markets.
7. Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways is one of East Africa’s most important carriers, with Nairobi serving as its main hub. The airline operates international, regional and domestic passenger and cargo services, connecting Kenya with 47 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and North America. At the end of 2025, its fleet comprised 37 owned or leased aircraft, including Boeing 787s, Boeing 737s, Embraer regional jets, freighters and Bombardier Dash 8s. However, the airline continues to face financial and operational pressures.
8. FlySafair
FlySafair has become one of South Africa’s most prominent low-cost airlines, competing largely on domestic routes while gradually expanding into regional markets. The airline operates a fleet centred on Boeing 737 aircraft and has built a large network connecting cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, George, East London and Gqeberha. It has also expanded beyond South Africa, with routes to destinations including Mauritius, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe and Namibia. In September 2026, FlySafair launched a new Johannesburg-Lusaka service operating five times a week, adding Zambia to its growing international network. Its strategy has focused heavily on affordable fares and high-frequency services on major Southern African travel corridors.
9. Fastjet
Fastjet is a low-cost airline focused primarily on Southern African markets, with Zimbabwe forming an important part of its current network. The airline connects cities including Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls with Johannesburg and other regional destinations. Its network is particularly relevant for Zimbabwe, where it provides links between major cities and South Africa, one of the country’s most important travel and business markets. In 2026, fastjet introduced an Airbus A320 on high-demand routes between Johannesburg and Harare and Victoria Falls. The aircraft was initially brought in for the peak travel season but was extended through October following strong demand. Fastjet’s model centres on affordable regional travel and improving connectivity across Southern Africa.
10. LIFT
LIFT is a South African airline that has built its business around domestic travel, particularly high-demand routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The airline operates mainly Airbus A320 aircraft, although Boeing 737s can also be used when required. Its current scheduled network covers the three major South African cities, with frequent services designed around business and leisure travellers. LIFT has also differentiated itself with features such as dog-friendly flights on selected services. The airline entered the market as a new-generation carrier and has competed by offering flexible fares and a customer-focused experience. As of September 2026, LIFT remains focused on South Africa rather than operating an international network.
