By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Ethiopia, May 04, 2026 - Ethiopian Airlines has been crowned Best Airline in Africa 2026 at the APEX Passenger Choice Awards, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in the continent’s aviation industry and a preferred carrier among global travellers.
The recognition, awarded by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), is based entirely on independently verified passenger feedback, making it a direct reflection of customer satisfaction across the airline’s global network.
The award highlights Ethiopian Airlines’ consistent performance in service delivery, onboard comfort, and operational reliability, key factors that continue to shape traveller preferences in an increasingly competitive aviation market.
According to the airline, the accolade underscores its sustained focus on delivering a seamless travel experience, from booking to arrival.
With growing demand for efficiency and comfort, airlines are under pressure to meet evolving expectations, and Ethiopian Airlines’ ability to maintain strong service standards has played a central role in securing passenger loyalty.
Commenting on the achievement, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said the recognition carries special significance because it comes directly from customers. “Receiving this recognition from our passengers makes it truly special.
It reflects the dedication and teamwork of our staff across the entire network. Being named Best Airline in Africa motivates us to keep raising our standards and delivering an experience our customers can trust and enjoy,” he said.
On his part, APEX Group CEO Joe Leader emphasised the credibility of the award, noting that it is grounded in large-scale, verified passenger data. “Ethiopian Airlines earning the 2026 APEX Best Airline in Africa award reflects the voice of verified passengers at scale. With more than one million verified flight ratings collected through TripIt across more than 600 airlines worldwide, APEX recognizes airlines through the most transparent awards methodology in the industry,” he said.
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He added that the airline continues to set the pace in African aviation, citing its operational discipline and strong customer experience. “Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate leadership in African aviation through passenger experience excellence, operational commitment, and a standard of service that resonates with travelers across the continent and beyond,” Leader noted.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of international accolades for Ethiopian Airlines, which has steadily expanded its footprint across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Its Addis Ababa hub has become a key transit point connecting Africa to the rest of the world, positioning the airline as a strategic player in global aviation networks.
Looking ahead, the airline says it will continue investing in modern aircraft, digital systems, and service innovation as it seeks to strengthen its competitive edge.
With a long-term growth strategy anchored on fleet expansion and network development, Ethiopian Airlines is positioning itself not just as Africa’s leading carrier, but as a global aviation force.