RwandAir crowned best regional airline in Africa at 2025 Skytrax awards

June 17, 2025 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

The IMF, despite the resilience of the Rwandan economy, believes the fiscal position will be under pressure from the large infrastructure investment in the New Kigali International Airport and the expansion of RwandAir, as well as the recent pension reform.

Recognition at Paris Air Show elevates Kigali-based carrier in competitive travel market

RwandAir has once again soared above the competition, clinching the title of Best Regional Airline in Africa at the prestigious 2025 World Airline Awards, hosted by Skytrax during the Paris Air Show—one of the most influential gatherings on the global aviation calendar.

This recognition not only solidifies RwandAir’s standing as a rising force in African aviation, but also sends a strong signal to the international travel industry about the carrier’s growing brand equity, service maturity, and regional ambition.

Skytrax, the London-based air transport rating organization behind the awards, hailed RwandAir for delivering “a professional, considered, and personal experience” that continues to set it apart in the regional category.

“RwandAir continues to distinguish itself through a clear focus on service attention,” said Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted. “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.”

RwandAir operates out of Kigali International Airport, with a growing network across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. While its ambitions have extended into long-haul markets in recent years, the airline has built its core strength on efficient, well-managed regional operations that consistently deliver value to business and leisure travellers alike.

The award follows a robust, data-driven evaluation process. The 2025 World Airline Awards were based on feedback from over 22.3 million eligible survey entries from travellers across 100+ nationalities, collected between September 2024 and May 2025. The annual Skytrax survey—now in its 26th edition—is considered one of the most independent benchmarks of airline service quality globally.

RwandAir’s repeat appearances among finalists in recent years underscore growing loyalty among regional passengers, who have praised the airline’s punctuality, onboard hospitality, cabin cleanliness, and staff professionalism.

“We are honored to receive this recognition and grateful to our passengers for their continued trust,” the airline said in a statement following the announcement in Paris.

For the broader African travel and tourism sector, RwandAir’s win adds momentum to the narrative of African carriers stepping into global competitiveness. While legacy airlines continue to dominate intercontinental routes, regional carriers like RwandAir are redefining the experience within Africa—offering modern fleets, customer-centric service, and efficient transit hubs that make intra-African travel more viable.

The award is also a boost for Rwanda’s broader strategy to position Kigali as a premium air transit hub in East and Central Africa. RwandAir’s performance is closely tied to the country’s economic diversification and tourism goals, including the planned opening of the new Bugesera International Airport, expected to significantly expand passenger handling capacity.

For travel advisors, tour operators, and corporate mobility planners across Africa and beyond, this accolade signals a safe bet on RwandAir when considering reliable regional connectivity options—especially across the COMESA and EAC markets.

As the Paris Air Show sets the stage for aerospace innovation and strategic deals, RwandAir’s award places it in the global spotlight—not just as a recipient of recognition, but as a carrier shaping the future of regional air travel in Africa.

With competition in the skies intensifying and passenger expectations evolving, RwandAir’s success is a reminder that service excellence and regional focus remain powerful differentiators in today’s aviation marketplace.