The award, announced at a ceremony in London on September 18, recognises the combined performance of airline staff working in airport ground operations and onboard cabins, including efficiency, hospitality, boarding assistance and customer service.
RwandAir finished ahead of several major African carriers in the Best Airline Staff Service in Africa category, including EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
The recognition comes a year after RwandAir was named Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. In the 2026 results, the carrier placed second in the same regional category, ranking ninth globally.
RwandAir also ranked fifth in the overall Best Airline in Africa category.
Following the announcement, RwandAir thanked its passengers and staff for the recognition.
'We are honoured to be named the Best Airline Staff in Africa 2026 by Skytrax,' the airline said, thanking passengers for choosing to fly with it and its team for the 'warmth, professionalism, and dedication' they bring to flights, ground operations and passenger experiences.
Ethiopian Airlines retained the Best Airline in Africa title in 2026, while RwandAir's second-place finish in the regional category placed it behind the African regional winner.
Singapore Airlines reclaims global crown
The awards, based on more than 24 million traveller survey responses worldwide, also saw Singapore Airlines reclaim the overall global title.
Singapore Airlines secured its sixth World's Best Airline award, moving back to first place after Qatar Airways, last year's winner, dropped to second.
Cathay Pacific Airways ranked third, followed by ANA (All Nippon Airways), Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines and Korean Air.
Key cabin and service winners
Qatar Airways retained major honours in premium travel, winning World's Best Business Class and Best Onboard Wi-Fi.
Air France took World's Best First Class, while EVA Air was named Best Premium Economy.
Singapore Airlines also won World's Best Economy Class and Best Economy Class Catering, adding to its overall award.
STARLUX Airlines was recognised for having the World's Cleanest Cabin and received a five-star Skytrax rating.
Among low-cost carriers, AirAsia retained the World's Best Low-Cost Airline title, while Scoot was named World's Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline.
Regional winners
Beyond Africa, Bangkok Airways was named Best Regional Airline in Asia, while Turkish Airlines led Europe, Air Canada topped North America and LATAM Airlines took the South American regional title.
Air India also recorded several gains, winning Best Airline in India and Best Staff Service in South Asia, while receiving an upgrade to a Skytrax four-star rating.
