RwandAir has reached another major milestone in its journey to becoming a leading global airline after being named Best Cabin Service in Africa at the prestigious 2026 APEX Awards.
The award, presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin, recognizes excellence in onboard passenger experience and is based entirely on independently verified customer feedback collected from more than one million flights worldwide.
The achievement marks the first time Rwanda’s national carrier has received the accolade, underscoring its growing reputation for exceptional service, professionalism, and authentic African hospitality.
Industry observers view the recognition as a testament to the airline’s continued investment in cabin crew training and customer experience.
Speaking after the announcement, RwandAir Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Manzi Makolo described the award as a reflection of the airline’s unwavering commitment to its passengers.
“This award is a powerful recognition of the service our customers experience through the dedication of our cabin crew. As RwandAir positions itself as Africa’s gateway to the world, we are proud to showcase Rwanda’s warmth, professionalism, and hospitality across every journey,” she said.
The latest recognition adds to RwandAir’s growing list of international achievements, including being named Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards and becoming the first African airline to receive APEX Diamond Health Safety Status.
APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader praised the airline’s remarkable progress, noting that RwandAir has become one of the continent’s strongest ambassadors for service excellence.
“RwandAir winning the 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in Africa award based on the votes of verified passengers honors one of the most inspiring service ascents in aviation today,” he said.
As RwandAir continues expanding its network across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, the airline says customer experience will remain at the heart of its growth strategy.
The award further strengthens Kigali’s ambition to position itself as a key aviation hub connecting Africa to the world.
For RwandAir, the honor is more than an industry accolade, it is international recognition that Rwanda’s signature hospitality is making a lasting impression on travelers around the globe.
By Andrew Shyaka
