FlySafair Soars to the Top: Crowned Africa’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025

A Proudly South African Win at the ‘Oscars of Aviation’

It’s official: South Africa’s FlySafair has just been crowned Africa’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025, taking top honours at this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced on 17 June.

The annual ceremony, often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry”, is one of the most prestigious events in global air travel. And this year, FlySafair proudly nudged out fierce competition — including previous titleholder LIFT and Zimbabwe’s Fastjet — to take the crown.

For a proudly homegrown brand that began with humble roots and no-frills flights, the award signals more than just excellence. It’s a nod to reliability, affordability, and customer satisfaction in a time when travel can often be a stressful affair.

What Makes FlySafair a Favourite?

Let’s be honest, when South Africans think of affordable flights that actually leave on time, FlySafair is top of mind. The airline has built a reputation for punctuality, budget-friendly fares, and straightforward service, all without the gimmicks.

On social media, local travellers were quick to celebrate the win. “Deserved!” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), while another joked, “If you’ve ever arrived in Cape Town on time during peak season, you know why they won!”

It’s this kind of real-life praise that mirrors the results of Skytrax’s global passenger satisfaction survey, which forms the basis of the awards. Voters around the world rated airlines on everything from cabin cleanliness to booking ease and in-flight service.

The Bigger Picture: Africa Rising in the Skies

While FlySafair’s win is the big local headline, the 2025 Skytrax Awards were also a reminder of how African aviation is beginning to find its stride on the global stage. With competitors like LIFT and Fastjet making the top three, it’s clear that budget travel on the continent is no longer something to be overlooked.

Globally, Qatar Airways once again clinched the title of World’s Best Airline, making it a record nine-time winner. They also scooped up titles for Best Business Class and Best Airline in the Middle East. The global Top 10 featured usual powerhouses like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific — but for many South Africans, it’s FlySafair’s regional victory that hits closest to home.

What This Win Means for South African Travellers

In a climate where travel costs are rising and reliability is more important than ever, FlySafair’s recognition is a win for everyday South Africans. Whether you’re flying home for the holidays or heading off on a last-minute local getaway, it’s reassuring to know that affordable doesn’t have to mean sub-par.

So next time you’re booking a flight, remember: you’re not just flying with a low-cost airline — you’re flying with Africa’s best.

Source:The South African 

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