Kenya Airways wins Four 2026 World Travel Awards

The national carrier was also named Africa’s Leading Airline, Economy Class 2026, while its flagship Pride Lounge in Nairobi won Africa’s Leading Airline Lounge 2026 and its celebrated inflight magazine, Msafiri, was recognised as Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2026.

The four awards, presented during the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar, represent recognition across the customer journey from the airline’s overall proposition and economy cabin, to the airport experience and the storytelling that accompanies travellers throughout their journey.

Kenya Airways, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Capt. George Kamal said: “These awards are an important recognition of the commitment of our people and the confidence placed in Kenya Airways by our customers and industry partners. We are deeply grateful to the travellers and travel professionals whose confidence has made this recognition possible.”

The recognition represents a powerful endorsement of the Kenya Airways customer proposition at a time when the global aviation industry continues to navigate significant pressures, including elevated fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain disruption and shortages of aircraft parts and engines.

“For Kenya Airways, the four awards are a vote of confidence in the airline’s role in connecting Africa to the world through its Nairobi hub and in the people, service and distinctly African hospitality behind the ‘Pride of Africa’ brand,” said Mr. Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer.

The latest recognition builds on Kenya Airways’ strong World Travel Awards record. In 2025, KQ won Africa’s Leading Airline, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine for Msafiri.

Capt. Kamal said the awards reinforces the airline’s position as a major African aviation connector. Kenya Airways currently serving 45 destinations worldwide, including 37 in Africa, while its position as the only African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance gives its customers access to more than 1,060 destinations in 173 countries through the alliance and its partners.