Best African Airlines in 2023

The African continent has continued to make progress towards the development of swift air transportation, which is a catalyst that enhances business opportunities and engineers’ growth on the continent.

A case study of South Africa, extensive investment in Aviation infrastructure and services over the last 22 years was a key catalyst for economic growth and investment.

According to a world economic forum report, it revealed that in 2019, Africa had about 731 airports and 419 airlines with an aviation industry that supports around 6.9 million jobs and $80 billion in economic activity.

The African continent has been predicted to become one of the fastest-growing aviation regions in the next 20 years with an annual expansion of nearly 5%.

While it is evident that aviation in Africa has the potential to fuel economic growth, the industry is riddled with the challenges of weak infrastructure, poor quality standards, poor connectivity, and lack of liberalization amongst several other challenges.

Amidst all of these, some Airlines on the African continent have been remarkable in delivering quality services to passengers.

If you find yourself on the shores of Africa and you are thinking about which airline to fly either domestically or Internationally, Investors King has put together a list of the top 10 best Airlines in Africa in 2023.

Here is a list of the top 10 best Airlines in Africa in 2023

10.) Air Seychelles Airlines

Established in 1978, Air Seychelles is the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles. Its head office is located at Seychelles International Airport on the island of Mahé and it operates inter-island and international flights and charter flights.

The airline serves numerous cities in a wide range of countries in Africa and Central/Eastern Asia. Air Seychelles commenced long-haul services in 1983, offering international flights to major African, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern destinations.

Air Seychelles has won four major awards, including the most coveted title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline‘.

9.) Fastjet Airlines

Launched in 2012, Fastjet is an African low-cost airline based in Zimbabwe. The airline is based at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport (HRE), Harare, and flies to a small number of destinations throughout Zimbabwe and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Fastjet is certified as a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline for the quality of its airport, onboard product, and staff service. The airline connects the three major cities in Zimbabwe by flying between Harare & Victoria Falls and Harare & Bulawayo.

Since commencing operations, fastjet has flown over 3.6 million passengers and has established itself as a reliable African airline brand, with a range of value-added products and services.

Its awards include Leading African Low-Cost Carrier World Travel Awards 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, and Skytrax World Airline Awards Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa 2017 and 2019, and the top ten finalists for 2022.

8.) Fly Safair Airlines

Established in 1965, Fly Safair is an airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The airline specializes in flying domestic flights within South Africa, flying to more than five different destinations across the country

It also operates one of the world’s largest fleets of civil Lockheed L-100 Hercules cargo aircraft.

Safair assists aid and relief agencies such as the United Nations, World Food Programme, and the International Committee of the Red Cross in delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to stricken regions on the African continent as well as other areas in the world where such assistance is required.

In September 2022, FlySafair Airlines was named the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa by Skytrax, a United Kingdom–based consultancy that runs an airline and airport review.

7.) RwandAir Airlines

Founded in 2002, RwandAir Limited is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda. It operates domestic and international services to East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, from its main base at Kigali International Airport in Kigali.

Operating from Kigali, Rwanda, as its hub in the heart of Africa, RwandAir is one of the fastest growing airlines on the African continent, which is well reputed for excellent on-time performance, operates to over 20 cities spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

In September 2022, The African carrier won the award for ‘Best Cabin Crew in Africa’ and ‘Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa’.

6.) Egyptair Airlines

EgyptAir is the state-owned flag carrier of Egypt. The airline is headquartered at Cairo International Airport, its main hub, operating scheduled passenger and freight services to 81 destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Since 2008, EgyptAir has been a member of Star Alliance which meant that the airline could able to connect more passengers from Europe to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and even the Far East.

The airline has received awards such as Africa’s leading airline- Business class 2011, North Africa’s leading airline 2005, and North Africa’s leading airline 2004.

5.) Air Mauritius Airlines

Founded in 1967 and began operating flights in 1972, Air Mauritius is the flag carrier airline of Mauritius. The airline is headquartered in Port Louis, Mauritius, with its hub based at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.

The flag carrier is the fourth largest carrier in sub-Saharan Africa, which flies to many destinations including Perth, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Paris, Hong Kong, Banglore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Nairobi, Antananarivo, Kuala Lumpur, etc.

In June 2019, Air Mauritius won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Airlines and four other accolades at the 26th Annual World Travel Awards held at the Sugar Beach Hotel, Mauritius.

4.) Kenya Airways

Founded in 1977, Kenya Airways Ltd., more commonly known as Kenya Airways, is the flag carrier airline of Kenya.

Kenya Airways is a leading African airline flying to 56 destinations worldwide, 46 of which are in Africa, and carrying over four million passengers annually. It continues to modernize its fleet, with its 36 aircraft being some of the newest in Africa. This includes its flagship B787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Frequent travelers give the airline an average rating of 7.5/10, which is above the general average.  Kenya Airways was named Africa’s Leading Airline in 2022, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand 2022, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2022, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2022 (Msafiri).

The multiple wins are a recognition of the airline’s demonstrated commitment to delivering world-class service with an African touch.

3.) South African Airways

Founded in 1934, South African Airways is the flag carrier airline of South Africa, which is headquartered in Airways Park at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

South African Airways has been a trusted passenger and cargo airline in South Africa for decades. The airline continues to pride itself as one of the leading airlines in South Africa, offering world-class service for local and international passengers.

South African Airways has created a popular low-cost airline called Mango (flymango) that remains one of the leading airlines for cheap local flights in South Africa.

Over the years the Airline has racked up an impressive 14 Skytrax Awards and became the first 4-star airline in Africa, setting the standard for aviation service on the continent.

2.) Royal Air Maroc Airlines

Founded in July 1953, Royal Air Maroc, more commonly known as RAM, is the Moroccan national carrier, as well as the country’s largest airline. RAM is wholly owned by the Moroccan Government and has its headquarters on the grounds of Casablanca-Anfa Airport.

RAM operates both medium-haul and long-haul flights and flies to over 100 destinations worldwide, including countries in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.

The Moroccan airline is one of the most child-friendly around, with a special onboard service for kids between the ages of 0 and 12, called Magic Universe.

The airline recently upgraded its Economy cabins, offering more space and comfort for passengers.

In 2021, Royal Air Maroc was voted the best airline in the African continent by the Global Traveler magazine. Also in April 2022, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) was awarded the Network Development Award at Brussels International Airport

1.) Ethiopian Airlines

Sitting in the number one position is Ethiopian Airlines. Founded on 21 December 1945 and commenced operations on 8 April 1946, Ethiopian Airlines, formerly Ethiopian Air Lines, is the flag carrier of Ethiopia, and is wholly owned by the country’s government.

Ethiopian Airlines is Certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness, etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.

Ethiopian Airlines offers the most African destinations to passengers and is one of the largest African airline companies. It has been named ‘Best Airline in Africa’ by Skytrax for 3 years in a row since 2017 and has been servicing passengers for over 70 years since 1946.

The airline is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers.