South African airline FlySafair has once again been named Africa's best low-cost airline.
For many Africans, air travel has long felt out of reach and is considered to be reserved for executives and international travelers, not for everyday people.
With high fares, taxes and limited routes, flying within the continent is more luxurious than convenience. However, low-cost airlines offer cheaper flights, making it easier for more people to travel across the border.
Some of these budget careers won international recognition at the 2025 World Airline Awards. There, they were honoured for their services, affordability and impact on local ties.
Called the “Oscars in the Aviation Industry,” the award is based on a comprehensive passenger survey that collected responses from travelers of over 100 nationalities between September 2024 and May 2025.
The results not only reaffirmed the continent's top full-service airlines like Ethiopian airlines, but also held the title as Africa's best airline for seven years in a row, but also highlighted the strengths of the African budget career.
Leading the low-cost segment is FlySafair, the South African airline named Africa's best low-cost airline. FlySafair has consistently impressed passengers with its punctuality, efficient check-in system, and a no-frill model that allows travelers to customize their journey by paying only for what they need.
Other budget carriers like Lift and FastJet are also making waves. Operated primarily in Zimbabwe and Zambia, FastJet carries out South Africa's niche with trustworthy regional services.
Business Insider Africa will be introducing the best low-cost airlines in Africa in 2025.
Rank Country 1 FlySafair 2 Lift 3 Fastjet 4 Jambojet 5 Fly540
