Kenya Airways Named Africa's Leading Airline

Kenya Airways (KQ) has reinforced its position as a continental aviation leader after securing four top honours at the 2025 World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held at the Johari Rotana in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

For the fourth consecutive year, the national carrier was recognised in multiple categories, winning titles for Africa’s Leading Airline 2025, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2025, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand 2025, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2025 for its publication, Msafiri.

These accolades underscore Kenya Airways’ commitment to operational excellence, customer-driven innovation, and delivering outstanding travel experiences within Africa and globally.

Commenting on the achievement, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, stated: “These awards are a reflection of the immense trust placed in us by our customers, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of over 4,000 KQ employees. They reaffirm our commitment to offering reliable service, elevating our onboard experience, and sustaining the legacy of being the Pride of Africa.”

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka (in green) with fellow staff holding the awards handed to the airline during the 2025 World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Tanzania on June 28, 2025. /KENYA AIRWAYS

The awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the travel and tourism sector, with Kenya Airways’ recent victories further strengthening its reputation as a leading airline both regionally and across the continent.

The carrier’s focus on innovation, superior customer experience, and consistent operational performance has secured its place as a preferred choice for travellers within Africa and internationally.

The 2025 World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony gathered leading brands from across the travel and tourism sector to honour excellence in the industry.

The event showcased emerging industry trends while celebrating remarkable achievements throughout the region. Among the honorees, Julius Nyerere International Airport was recognised as Africa’s Leading Airport, reflecting Tanzania’s growing status on the global travel map.

This marked the second year in a row that KQ was named Africa's Leading Airline, having been bestowed similar honours in 2024 and at the same time awarded in several other categories, including Africa's Leading Airline – Business Class and Africa's Leading Airline Brand.

In 2024, the airline announced an after-tax profit of Ksh5.4 billion for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, a first in 11 years, which represented a remarkable turnaround from a loss of Ksh22.6 billion reported the previous year, reflecting an improvement of Ksh28 billion and a 124% increase in net profit.

Established in 1977, Kenya Airways (KQ) has evolved into one of the continent’s most respected and dependable airlines. Operating from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, the carrier connects travellers to more than 40 destinations worldwide, spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

As a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Kenya Airways has distinguished itself through its embrace of modern technology, sustainability initiatives, and a premium customer experience. Its fleet, which includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Embraer E190s, offers passengers both comfort and efficiency.

Beyond its strong operational credentials, Kenya Airways has played a crucial role in enhancing intra-African connectivity, supporting tourism and trade across the continent. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to reliable service, the airline has secured its position as a major force in African aviation.