FlySafair named the best low-cost airline in Africa

FlySafair was named as Africa’s leading low-cost airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards on 28 August 2026.

FlySafair is a major name in South Africa’s commercial aviation industry, and since its founding in 2014 has grown to operate more than 1,250 flights per week.

The company currently operates several domestic routes to 10 destinations in the country, along with five international routes to neighbouring countries.

The award is a high distinction in the travel and tourism industry, and recognises operations across all sectors of global transport and hospitality.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993, and this represents the first time FlySafair has won the award for leading low-cost airline.

The winner of the category is decided by voting from industry professionals and consumers across the continent.

FlySafair CMO, Kirby Gordon, said, “This recognition is a reflection of everything our team puts into the job every single day.”

“We compete against carriers from across a vast and diverse continent, and to come out on top in a category voted on by travel professionals and passengers means a great deal.”

“It tells us that what we’re doing is being noticed, and that the millions of South Africans who fly with us every year are advocating for us. That’s what we work for.”

The recognition from the World Travel Awards adds to a growing list of accolades for FlySafair, which was also named the most on-time airline in the Middle East and Africa by Cirium.

This award was achieved by FlySafair, which had a 91% on-time arrival rate across more than 62,000 flights tracked in 2025.

The company were also awarded the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award for the fourth time, and received five awards at the SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Best Airline by Public Vote.

“This award is for our team, and for every passenger who has chosen to fly with us,” Gordon said. “Affordability, reliability and a genuine care for our customers – those are the three things we’ve built this airline on.”