Best low-cost airlines in Africa in 2025
Business Insider Africa presents the best low-cost airlines in Africa in 2025.
The list is courtesy of Skytrax.
Leading the low-cost segment is FlySafair, a South African airline that has once again been named the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa.
For many Africans, air travel has long felt out of reach, seen as something reserved for business executives or international travelers, not everyday people.
High fares, taxes, and limited routes have made flying within the continent more of a luxury than a convenience. But there are low-cost airlines offering cheaper flights and making it easier for more people to travel across borders.
Some of these budget carriers gained international recognition at the 2025 World Airline Awards, where they were honored for their service, affordability, and impact on regional connectivity.
Dubbed the 'Oscars of the Aviation Industry,' the awards are based on a comprehensive passenger survey that collected responses from travelers of over 100 nationalities between September 2024 and May 2025.
The results not only reaffirmed the continent's top full-service airlines, like Ethiopian Airlines, which retained its title as Best Airline in Africa for the seventh consecutive year but also highlighted the growing strength of Africa's budget carriers.
Leading the low-cost segment is FlySafair, a South African airline that has once again been named the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa. FlySafair has consistently impressed passengers with its punctuality, efficient check-in systems, and no-frills model that allows travellers to customize their journey by paying only for what they need.
Other budget carriers such as Lift and Fastjet are also making waves. Fastjet, which operates primarily in Zimbabwe and Zambia, has carved out a niche in Southern Africa with reliable regional services.
Business Insider Africa presents the best low-cost airlines in Africa in 2025:
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