Kenya Airways (KQ) has been named Africa’s Leading Airline 2026, emerging as one of the biggest winners at this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA) gala held in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The national carrier took home four major awards, securing recognition for its overall airline service, economy-class offering, airport lounge and in-flight magazine.
Kenya Airways clinched the coveted Africa’s Leading Airline 2026 title after expanding its network to 42 destinations globally and investing in the modernisation of its fleet.
One of the airline’s notable fleet developments was the return of its 400-seat Boeing 777 to service, increasing its capacity as it continues to grow its operations.
The Kenyan carrier beat major continental rivals, including Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and South African Airways, to claim the top airline award.
KQ Acting Chief Executive Officer, Capt. George Kamal, attributed the recognition to the commitment of the airline’s employees and the confidence placed in the carrier by its customers and industry partners.
“These awards are an important recognition of the commitment of our people and the confidence placed in Kenya Airways by our customers and industry partners. We are deeply grateful to the travellers and travel professionals whose confidence has made this recognition possible," he remarked.
Kenya Airways Wins Economy-Class Award
The airline also retained its position among Africa’s best economy-class carriers after winning the Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2026 award.
Kenya Airways beat eight other nominees to secure the honour, marking the sixth time the carrier has won the prestigious economy-class category. Its previous victory in the category came in 2023.
The latest award gives the national carrier another boost as airlines across the continent compete for passengers through expanded routes, improved onboard services and upgraded travel experiences.
Pride Lounge Takes Top Award
Kenya Airways’ success extended beyond its aircraft after its flagship Pride Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was named Africa’s Leading Airline Lounge 2026. The award recognises the airport experience offered to passengers using the airline’s Nairobi hub.
The lounge award, together with the economy-class accolade, means Kenya Airways received recognition at different stages of the passenger journey.
The carrier’s inflight publication, Msafiri Magazine, also continued its dominance after being named Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2026. The publication secured the award for the fifth consecutive year, having held the title since 2022.
Nairobi Extends Business Travel Winning Streak
Nairobi also emerged as a major winner at the awards after being named Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2026. The capital city secured the honour for the eighth consecutive time, maintaining a winning streak that began when the category was introduced in 2019.
The latest recognition comes as Kenya Airways continues to expand its network and invest in its fleet in an effort to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading carriers.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognise excellence across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Winners are determined through votes from consumers and travel industry professionals, with votes from industry professionals carrying greater weight.
Kenya Airways’ four awards, coupled with Nairobi’s latest business travel recognition, underline Kenya’s continued prominence in Africa’s aviation and business travel sectors.
