Africa’s aviation industry may not have produced the airline that took first place in the 2026 global ranking, but the continent is home to several carriers that have built strong networks within Africa and beyond its borders.
From Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir to Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc and South African Airways, African airlines play an increasingly important role in connecting the continent’s major cities with global markets.
The ranking comes as Africa’s aviation sector continues to face a mix of opportunities and challenges, including growing passenger demand, infrastructure gaps, high operating costs and limited direct connections between many African cities.
Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline at Skytrax’s 2026 World Airline Awards, taking the top spot for the sixth time since the awards began in 1999. More than 325 airlines were included in the survey, which gathered responses from passengers of 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 flag carrier into Africa’s largest airline group, with Addis Ababa as its main hub. The airline operates one of the continent’s largest and youngest fleets, including Airbus A350, Boeing 787, Boeing 777 and Boeing 737 aircraft. Its owned commercial fleet comprises 147 aircraft, with another 109 on order, reflecting the scale of its expansion plans. Ethiopian connects Africa with 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 main hub. The airline has operated for more than 88 years and built a network connecting Egypt with Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Its fleet includes Airbus A330, A320neo and A321neo aircraft, as well as Boeing 737-800, 777-300 and 787-9 Dreamliner models. It runs both passenger and cargo operations, 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 Mauritius’s national airline and one of the main carriers connecting the Indian Ocean island with Africa and international markets. It operates a relatively compact fleet comprising four Airbus A350-900s, two A330-900neos, one A330-200 and four ATR 72s. Its network combines direct services with codeshare connections, giving passengers access to more than 70 destinations through partner airlines, in addition to 13 destinations served directly. Its location makes Air Mauritius particularly important in linking Africa with Asia, Europe, Australia and other Indian Ocean islands. The airline has also strengthened its regional fleet, notably by adding 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 Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, it uses Morocco’s position between Africa, Europe and the Americas to operate 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 airline connects the capital with destinations in 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 connections to major global markets.
6. South African Airways
South African Airways is South Africa’s flag carrier and one of the continent’s best-known aviation brands. Johannesburg and Cape Town form the heart of its network, connecting South Africa with destinations across Africa and selected international markets. SAA underwent a major restructuring in recent years after financial difficulties led it to enter business rescue in 2019. It emerged from the process in 2021 and has since focused on rebuilding its fleet and network. It is also a Star Alliance member alongside airlines including EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines. SAA’s role extends beyond passenger transport, with its network supporting trade, tourism and business 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 owned or leased fleet comprised 37 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, Boeing 737s, Embraer regional jets, freighters and Bombardier Dash 8s. However, the carrier continues to face financial and operational pressure.
8. FlySafair
FlySafair has become one of South Africa’s most prominent low-cost airlines, competing mainly on domestic routes while gradually expanding into regional markets. The airline operates a fleet centred on Boeing 737s and has built a broad 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 along Southern Africa’s main travel corridors.
9. Fastjet
Fastjet is a low-cost airline focused mainly on Southern African markets, with Zimbabwe accounting for a significant share of its current network. It connects cities including Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls with Johannesburg and other regional destinations. Its network is particularly relevant to 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 between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. The aircraft was initially marketed for the peak travel season, but its deployment was extended until October following strong demand. Fastjet’s model emphasises affordable regional travel and improved connectivity across Southern Africa.
10. LIFT
LIFT is a South African airline that has built its business around domestic travel, particularly on high-demand routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. It operates primarily Airbus A320 aircraft, although Boeing 737s may also be used when needed. Its current scheduled network covers the three major South African cities, with frequent services aimed at business and leisure travellers. LIFT has also distinguished itself through 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.
