Kenya Airways has been named Africa’s Leading Airline for a sixth consecutive year at the 2026 World Travel Awards Africa gala, held in Zanzibar on 28 August. The national carrier swept four awards on the night, reinforcing Kenya’s position as one of the continent’s premier travel destinations.
What Kenya Airways Won
Beyond the flagship Africa’s Leading Airline title, Kenya Airways claimed three additional awards at the Zanzibar ceremony:
- Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class for its in-cabin product and service standards
- Africa’s Leading Airline Lounge for the Pride Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine for Msafiri, the carrier’s onboard publication
This is the sixth year in a row the airline has taken the top airline title, a record that reflects both its growing long-haul network and consistent investment in the passenger experience.
Nairobi Maintains Business Travel Crown
Nairobi was also recognised as Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2026 — the eighth consecutive year the city has held that title since the category was introduced in 2019. The recognition reflects the capital’s expanding conference infrastructure, direct connectivity to major global hubs, and its role as a regional gateway for East Africa.
What This Means for Travellers
The World Travel Awards are voted on by travel industry professionals and consumers worldwide, making the results a useful signal of which airlines and destinations are delivering on quality. For travellers planning a Kenya trip, the award confirms that Kenya Airways remains the benchmark for African aviation — whether you’re flying into Nairobi for a city break or connecting onwards to the coast or safari parks.
Economy class on Kenya Airways operates to destinations including London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris, New York, and Bangkok, as well as an extensive intra-Africa network. The Pride Lounge, now recognised as Africa’s best, is available to business class passengers and Elite or Platinum frequent flyers at JKIA.
Planning Your Visit
For travellers heading to Kenya for wildlife, August and September remain the peak of the Maasai Mara migration season, with river crossings at their most frequent. Flights into Nairobi from Europe typically take eight to nine hours direct. For route options and booking tips, see our Kenya flights guide.
The gala in Zanzibar also recognised Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club as Africa’s Leading Hotel — another nod to the strength of Kenya’s high-end tourism offer as the country heads into the September-October shoulder season.