Ethiopian Airlines Named Best Airline in Africa at 2026 APEX Awards
Ethiopian Airlines has been recognised as the Best Airline in Africa at the 2026 APEX Passenger Choice Awards, a distinction that reflects strong passenger trust and satisfaction across its global network.
The award is based entirely on independently verified feedback from airline passengers, making it a direct reflection of customer experience rather than jury selection. It highlights the airline’s continued emphasis on service quality, operational reliability, and onboard comfort.
According to the APEX framework, more than one million verified flight ratings are collected through TripIt across over 600 airlines globally, with rankings determined solely by passenger reviews. Ethiopian Airlines’ latest recognition reinforces its position as a leading carrier on the continent in terms of customer experience.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, welcomed the achievement, describing it as a collective success driven by staff dedication across the network.
“Receiving this recognition from our passengers makes it truly special. It reflects the commitment and teamwork of our staff across the entire network. Being named Best Airline in Africa motivates us to continue improving and delivering a travel experience our customers can rely on,” he said.
APEX Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Joe Leader noted that the airline’s performance demonstrates consistent leadership in African aviation, particularly in passenger experience and service delivery standards.
Ethiopian Airlines has continued to invest in modern aircraft, digital transformation, and service enhancements as part of its long-term growth strategy. The carrier operates a wide international and domestic network and remains one of Africa’s most prominent global aviation brands.
With ambitions outlined under its Vision 2035 strategy, the airline aims to rank among the world’s top 20 aviation groups, while strengthening its multi-hub approach across Africa, including partnerships in Togo, Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As a member of the Star Alliance, Ethiopian Airlines has previously received multiple international accolades, including repeated recognition from Skytrax and APEX for its performance in Africa’s aviation sector.
