RwandAir has been named Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 World Airline Awards, a significant win that underscores the carrier’s continued rise as one of Africa’s most trusted and service-driven airlines.
The award was presented at the prestigious World Airline Awards ceremony held at the iconic Air and Space Museum during the Paris Air Show in France.
Organised by Skytrax — the globally renowned air transport rating organisation — the event is often dubbed “the Oscars of the aviation industry", saw Africa’s aviation excellence take centre stage — with Ethiopian Airlines once again soaring highest as Best Airline in Africa overall.
The awards celebrated airlines that delivered the best in passenger experience based on feedback from over 22 million travellers worldwide.
RwandAir’s win is a testament to its growing regional dominance and rising reputation for service excellence.
The Kigali-based carrier was praised for its consistency, attention to detail, and personal touch across all travel classes — positioning it as a favorite among African regional travellers.
“RwandAir continues to distinguish itself through a clear focus on service attention,” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.
“The airline has created an experience that stands out in its category — professional, considered, and personal, as it continues to evolve its regional product with confidence.”
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines reinforced its continental leadership, taking home the crown as Best Airline in Africa, alongside accolades for Best Business Class, Best Economy Class, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Africa.
The Addis Ababa-based carrier’s performance further cements its reputation as a global aviation heavyweight, consistently outperforming competitors across both African and international routes.
EgyptAir was named Most Improved Airline in Africa, and won big in customer service categories including Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, Best Cabin Crew, and Best Airline Staff in Africa, signalling a strong comeback for the North African carrier.
On the global stage, Qatar Airways dominated the awards with an unmatched run, winning Airline of the Year 2025, World’s Best Business Class, and a suite of top accolades in the Middle East region — from Best Business Class Seat to Cleanest Airline and best onboard catering.
A Moment for African Aviation
The 2025 awards mark a strong showing for African carriers overall, with more airlines than ever before recognized across categories traditionally dominated by global giants.
RwandAir’s recognition, in particular, reflects the growing maturity and competitiveness of African regional aviation.
Though still a younger airline compared to its continental peers, RwandAir has steadily earned loyalty among travellers with a polished in-flight experience, operational reliability, and investment in modern aircraft.
The accolade also signals the success of Rwanda’s national strategy to establish Kigali as a premier aviation hub, boosting connectivity across Africa and linking the region to international markets.
Dubbed “the Oscars of the aviation industry,” the World Airline Awards are wholly independent and based on the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey.
The 2024–2025 online survey ran from September to May and attracted eligible responses from more than 100 nationalities, with over 325 airlines featured.
Unlike other industry recognitions, airlines pay no fees to enter, and all survey and award costs are covered by Skytrax.
The results reflect pure passenger experience — a true benchmark of what flyers value most.
As African carriers like RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and EgyptAir continue to invest in service, innovation, and regional connectivity, one thing is clear: Africa is not just rising — it’s flying high.