The Top 5 Best Airlines in Africa in 2021

Based on the 2021 World Airline Awards on Tuesday, considered the "Oscars of airlines." Awards were based on customer surveys collected for 23 months, from September 2019 to July 2021, and comprise a mix of more normal travel times and pandemic travel. While the pandemic caused some shifting of airline positions compared to 2019, a handful of core airlines still maintained the higher rankings.

Branded as the Passenger's Choice Awards, over 13 million travelers worldwide nominated their favorite Airline in a survey and ranked specific aspects of the customer experience on a scale of one to five, including cabin service, COVID-19 response, ground/airport services, and the onboard product.

In Africa, the top Airlines were Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, and Kenya Airways. Globally, Qatar Airways took home the gold for the sixth time since 2001, followed by Singapore Airlines in second and Japan-based ANA All Nippon Airways in third. Qatar also secured five other awards, including Best Business Class , Best Business Class Seat, Best Airline in the Middle East , World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and Best Business Class Onboard Catering.

5. Air Mauritius

Air Mauritius is the national flag carrier of Mauritius, based at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Port Louis, Mauritius. The flag carrier is the fourth largest carrier in sub-Saharan Africa and commenced operations in 1972 under the company name of Air Mauritius ltd. Passengers can fly direct to 23 destinations, and to over 100 destinations with the airline's partners.

4. Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc, which is commonly known as 'RAM', is the largest airline in Morocco. The airline was founded in July 1953, as a result of a merger of Air Maroc and Air Atlas. The airline is headquartered at Casablanca-Anfa Airport, near the Moroccan city of Casablanca, but its primary hub airport is Casablanca Mohammed V International 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.

3. Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is one of the largest airlines in Africa, and flies all across the world to top destinations. The airline has grown tremendously since conception and continues to thrive across the African skies.

Boasting a crew of friendly and helpful staff, it’s no wonder Kenya Airways holds the 2016 and 2017 World Travel Award for Africa's Leading Airline! Also, known as ‘Africa’s Pride’, the airline has contributed significantly to raising the standards of African aviation through their continued service excellence.

2. South African Airways.

With hubs at Johannesburg and Cape Town, South African Airways (SAA) is the flag carrier of South Africa and ranks among the largest airlines on the African continent. The carrier is wholly-owned by the South African government and operates an extensive network of services throughout Africa and international services to North America, South America, Asia, Australia and Europe. SAA became a member of the Star Alliance in 2006.

1. Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is the national airline of Ethiopia, based in Addis Ababa. One of the leading airlines on the African continent, Ethiopian Airlines serves more than 60 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, as well as operating an extensive domestic and international cargo network. Ethiopian Airlines became a member of Star Alliance in Dec-2011.