South Africa's FlySafair was named Africa's Best Low Cost Airline at the SkyTrax 2025 World Airline Awards. The annual ceremony recognizes excellence across the global aviation industry.
Ethiopian Airlines has won the title of Africa's Best Airlines. This marks the seventh consecutive year of award winning.
The praise was presented at the Paris Air Show in the eight historic halls of fames at the Le Bourgette Air Space Museum. SkyTrax-Run events are based entirely on customer feedback, maintaining independence and fairness.
The perceptions of both FlySafair and Ethiopian airlines highlight the strength of African airlines across different segments of the aviation industry. Their placement at the 2025 SkyTrax World Airline Awards reflects strong regional performance in both low-cost and full-service categories based on global passenger feedback.
Top 20 Airlines in the World in 2025
Qatar Airways was first placed as the world's top airline, earning additional honors in the world's best business class, the best airline in the Middle East and the best business class lounges.
Singapore Airlines has been closely followed, winning top awards for the best cabin crew and best first class and has been named the best airline in Asia. Cathay Pacific went up to third place and won the best infolity entertainment.
Top 20 Airlines in the World in 2025:
Qatar AirlinesSingaporeAirlineCathayPacificEmiratesAnaAllNipponAirwaysTurkishAirlineTurkishAirlineKoreanAirlineFranceJapanAirlineSwissAirlineEvaBritishAirwaysAirwaysEvansSanSaviorginAtlanticSaudiAirlineStarLouzaAirlineAirlineAirline Airline
SkyTrax CEO Edward Plaist said: “We welcome many previous winners and are pleased to see new faces and airlines here today.
Regional and budget highlights
Airasia held the title as the world's best low-cost airline in its 16th year running, and Scoot was awarded Best Long Haul Low-cost airline.
Other regional budget winners include:
Jetsmart – Best Low Cost Airlines in South America Allegiant Air – Best Low Cost Airlines in North America Eurowings – Best Low Cost Airlines in Europe – Best Low Cost Airlines in India/South Asia
In the premium leisure category, Air Transat has been named the world's best leisure airline for the third year in a row. Lufthansa is recognized as the world's most family-friendly airline, and the Turkish airline has won three awards, including Best Airlines in Europe and Best Business Class on-board catering.
* Check out the full list of winners on the SkyTrax website here.
