Kenya Airways has been named Africa’s Leading Airline 2026, winning four awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards gala in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The national carrier won the top honour after expanding its network to 42 global destinations and modernising its fleet, including returning its 400-seat Boeing 777 to service.
Kenya Airways beat major continental rivals Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and South African Airways to claim the award.
The airline also won Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class, beating eight other nominees in the category.
Kenya Airways Head of Corporate Communications Henry Okatch with other staff members at the 2026 World Travel Awards gala in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on August 28.
Photo
KQ
It was the sixth time Kenya Airways has won the economy-class award, with its previous victory coming in 2023.
The airline’s Pride Lounge at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was also named Africa’s Leading Airline Lounge.
Kenya Airways’ Msafiri Magazine won Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine for the fifth consecutive year.
The magazine has held the title since 2022, extending the airline’s dominance in the category.
Nairobi was also named Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2026, securing the award for an eighth consecutive time.
The city has won the business travel award every year since the category was introduced in 2019.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognise excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Winners are determined through votes from travel industry professionals and consumers, with industry votes carrying greater weight.
The latest awards come as Kenya Airways continues to expand its network and invest in its fleet as it seeks to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading carriers.
An undated photo of the Kenya Airways Pride Lounge at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Photo
Japhet Kaimenyi
