Ethiopian Airlines has been named Best Airline in Africa 2026 at the prestigious APEX Passenger Choice Awards, reinforcing its reputation as a leading carrier driven by customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
The award, determined entirely by independently verified passenger feedback, reflects the trust and loyalty of travellers across the airline’s extensive global network. It recognises Ethiopian Airlines’ consistent delivery of seamless travel experiences, from booking to arrival anchored on service quality, onboard comfort, and reliability.
Unlike industry-voted recognitions, the APEX Passenger Choice Awards are based on real-time customer ratings, making the honour a direct endorsement from passengers themselves. The airline’s repeated recognition highlights its sustained focus on meeting evolving traveler expectations.
Reacting to the award, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, described it as a meaningful validation of the airline’s service culture.
“Receiving this recognition from our passengers makes it truly special. It reflects the dedication and teamwork of our staff across the entire network”, he said. “Being named Best Airline in Africa motivates us to keep raising our standards and delivering an experience our customers can trust and enjoy”.
Also speaking, CEO of APEX, Joe Leader, said the award reflects large-scale, verified passenger sentiment.
“With more than one million verified flight ratings collected through TripIt across over 600 airlines worldwide, APEX recognises airlines through one of the most transparent methodologies in the industry”, he noted.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to distinguish itself within Africa’s aviation sector through strong operational performance and a passenger-focused approach. Its growing investments in modern aircraft, digital innovation, and service enhancement further position the airline as a dominant player on both continental and global routes.
As it expands its international footprint, the airline remains committed to strengthening its leadership in African aviation while delivering world-class travel experiences.