Business Insider reports that for the seventh year running, Ethiopian Airlines has soared above its peers to claim the title of Best Airline in Africa. This remarkable streak underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to excellence and passenger satisfaction.
Africa’s aviation landscape has witnessed a dynamic transformation in recent years. Airlines across the continent are modernising their fleets, broadening their route networks, and elevating service standards to compete globally.
This upward trajectory has been recognised by the prestigious World Airline Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Aviation Industry.” The 2025 rankings, unveiled by Skytrax, highlight the continent’s top carriers based on comprehensive passenger feedback.
Skytrax’s awards are derived from the world’s largest airline passenger survey. Travellers representing over 100 nationalities cast their votes between September 2024 and May 2025. This extensive polling ensures that the rankings reflect genuine customer experiences.
According to Sustainability in the sky, Ethiopian Airlines secured the Best Airline in Africa accolade and dominated several key categories. It was honoured with Best Economy Class, Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Africa, showcasing its all-around superiority in service and comfort.
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, emphasised that the consistency of repeat winners like Ethiopian Airlines demonstrates how much passengers value reliable, high-quality service.
Trailing closely behind Ethiopian Airlines is Air Mauritius, which has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of Africa’s most respected airlines. In 2025, Air Mauritius earned second in the Skytrax rankings, praised for its warm hospitality and sleek, customer-focused service. The airline is vital in connecting Mauritius to key destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
RwandAir secured third place, followed by South African Airways in fourth and EgyptAir in fifth. Other notable carriers rounding out the top ten include Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways, FlySafair, LIFT, and Fastjet, each contributing to the continent’s growing aviation excellence. Together, these airlines represent the best of Africa’s aviation industry in 2025, reflecting a continent on the rise in global air travel.
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Ethiopian Airlines’ continued dominance as Africa’s leading airline is poised to significantly propel the upward trajectory of tourism and travel across Africa, with a powerful impact anticipated for Nigeria. This sustained excellence in aviation is not merely a corporate achievement but a critical enabler of economic growth, promising enhanced connectivity, increased accessibility, and a vital boost to the burgeoning tourism sectors of the continent and its most populous nation.
The timing of this recognition is pivotal, as a dynamic shift towards sustainable, experiential, and wellness-focused travel characterises African tourism in 2025. Tourists increasingly seek authentic cultural encounters, eco-friendly adventures, and unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations. With its extensive and growing network across the continent, Ethiopian Airlines is uniquely positioned to cater to these evolving demands.
The airline’s hub-and-spoke model effectively connects many African cities, many of which are gateways to diverse tourism products. These include destinations renowned for their natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultures. By providing reliable access to these areas, Ethiopian Airlines is instrumental in dispersing tourism beyond the traditional hubs, fostering more inclusive growth.
The ripple effects of Ethiopian Airlines’ success are particularly significant for Nigeria. The West African nation is actively working to diversify its economy away from oil, with tourism identified as a key sector for growth. The Nigerian government and private sector increasingly promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, music scene, and unique natural attractions.
Ethiopian Airlines’ recent expansion of its Nigerian operations, including increasing flight frequencies to Lagos to double daily, is a direct and tangible benefit. This enhanced capacity facilitates greater tourist arrivals and provides Nigerian travellers with more seamless connections to the rest of the world.
Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines’ competitive fares and quality service can help make Nigeria a more attractive and affordable destination for a wider range of travellers. This is crucial for a country looking to compete with more established tourist destinations on the continent.
The current trends in Nigerian tourism for 2025 reveal a growing interest in cultural and festival tourism, wellness retreats, and business-leisure travel. Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach allows it to tap into key source markets for these niche segments, bringing in visitors specifically seeking Nigeria’s unique experiences.
For more updates on airline developments in Nigeria, visit Rex Clarke Adventures – Airline News.
FAQs
1. Which airline was named the Best Airline in Africa in 2025?
Ethiopian Airlines was named the Best Airline in Africa for the seventh consecutive year in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
2. What criteria are used to determine the best airlines in Africa?
The rankings are based on the largest airline passenger survey worldwide, with travellers from over 100 nationalities voting on service quality, comfort, and overall experience.
3. Which airlines ranked in the top five for Africa in 2025?
The top five airlines are Ethiopian Airlines, Air Mauritius, RwandAir, South African Airways, and EgyptAir.
4. What makes Ethiopian Airlines stand out in the 2025 rankings?
Ethiopian Airlines excelled as the Best Airline in Africa and won awards for Best Economy Class, Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering.
5. How has Air Mauritius performed in recent years?
Air Mauritius steadily climbed the rankings and secured second place in 2025. It is recognised for its warm hospitality and extensive network connecting Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
