RwandAir has been named Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards, earning one of the aviation industry's most prestigious passenger experience honours.
The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin and is based entirely on independently verified passenger feedback collected from more than one million flights worldwide.
The recognition marks the first time Rwanda's national carrier has received the accolade, highlighting its efforts to improve onboard customer experience through investment in service excellence, cabin crew training and hospitality.
RwandAir Chief Executive Yvonne Makolo said the award reflects the commitment and professionalism of the airline's cabin crew.
“This award is a powerful recognition of the service our customers experience through the dedication of our cabin crew. As RwandAir positions itself as Africa’s gateway to the world, we are proud to showcase Rwanda’s warmth, professionalism and hospitality across every journey,” Makolo said.
“We remain committed to raising the standard of African aviation and delivering a world-class experience for our passengers.”
The latest honour adds to a growing list of international recognitions for the airline. In 2025, RwandAir was named Best Regional Airline in Africa at the Skytrax World Airline Awards and previously became the first African carrier to receive APEX Diamond Health Safety Status.
According to the airline, the award reflects passengers' appreciation of the service they receive onboard and underscores RwandAir's ambition to compete with leading international carriers.
Dr. Joe Leader, Chief Executive Officer of the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), praised the airline's achievements, describing its rise as one of the aviation industry's notable success stories.
“RwandAir winning the 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in Africa award based on the votes of verified passengers honours one of the most inspiring service ascents in aviation today, led by a national carrier that has elevated African hospitality with remarkable intention, discipline and pride,” he said.
The APEX Awards are among the aviation industry's leading passenger experience benchmarks. They evaluate airlines across key categories including cabin service, entertainment, Wi-Fi, seat comfort and food and beverage offerings.
The recognition comes as RwandAir continues expanding its network and strengthening its position as a key aviation hub connecting Africa with destinations across Europe and the Middle East.
Founded in 2002, RwandAir operates a fleet comprising Airbus A330s, Boeing 737-800NGs, Bombardier Q400 aircraft and a dedicated cargo freighter.
The airline serves 22 destinations across Africa, Europe and the Middle East from its hub in Kigali, while codeshare and interline partnerships extend its reach to more than 150 additional destinations worldwide.
The airline said service excellence will remain central to its strategy as it seeks to further establish itself as Africa's gateway to the world.