The report, released on March 19, 2026, shows that Kigali International Airport is among the best on the continent due to its infrastructure, cleanliness, quality services including food and beverages, comfort, and security.
Skytrax stated “Kigali is a small airport, but passenger numbers are increasing thanks to the growth of RwandAir.”
To determine rankings, various services are evaluated and scored using a star system. Five stars represent the highest quality, while one star indicates the lowest.
At Kigali International Airport, the highest-rated services include minimizing long walking distances for passengers, efficient communication, and multilingual staff who assist travelers.
In July 2022, renovation works began to expand the airport’s capacity, enabling it to accommodate more than 50 parked aircraft.
However, Skytrax noted areas for improvement, including the high prices of food and retail items, and the need to increase the number of shops to offer passengers more choices.
The best airport in Africa is Cape Town International Airport, praised as a preferred hub for tourists and high-end travelers due to its modern infrastructure and quality services.
It is the only airport in Africa to receive a four-star rating, recognized for accessibility, hospitality, cleanliness, and commercial services.
O.R. Tambo International Airport ranked second, noted for handling the highest passenger traffic and connecting all six inhabited continents.
Despite the high volume of passengers, Skytrax highlights that staff strive to provide quality services, including food, beverages, and security.
Marrakech Menara Airport came third, handling over nine million passengers annually and praised for its architectural design, which enhances passenger comfort and experience.
This airport is widely used by airlines such as Royal Air Maroc and Transavia France, connecting Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Skytrax also lists King Shaka International Airport, Mohammed V International Airport, Cairo International Airport, and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport among the top 10 airports in Africa.
Just behind Kigali is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which received a two-star rating lower than others with three stars due to concerns over service delivery, particularly in security.
Ivato International Airport ranked 10th among Africa’s best airports. However, Skytrax noted that while it has basic infrastructure, access by road is difficult and poorly managed.
The report also indicates that although Ivato maintains moderate cleanliness and a calm environment, with staff making efforts to provide decent food and beverage services, further improvements are still needed.
