• Asian and European hubs dominate the 2026 Skytrax ranking, with Singapore Changi leading globally.

• Only two African airports—Cape Town (74th) and OR Tambo (84th)—rank in the global Top 100.

• High operating costs and structural constraints continue to limit competitiveness despite traffic growth.

British consultancy Skytrax published its 2026 ranking of the world’s top 100 airports on Wednesday, March 18. The firm based the ranking on a survey of international travelers conducted between 2025 and 2026.

Asian hubs dominate the ranking. Singapore Changi Airport ranks first, followed by Incheon International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Meanwhile, Europe maintains several positions in the Top 10. Only two African infrastructures appear in the global Top 100: Cape Town International Airport ranks 74th, and O. R. Tambo International Airport ranks 84th.

This limited presence reflects persistent gaps in service quality, capacity, and passenger experience, which remain key evaluation criteria for Skytrax.

Structural constraints

Operating costs for African airlines exceed global averages. Airlines pay 17% more for fuel, 12% to 15% more for taxes and charges, and 10% more for air navigation fees. Maintenance, insurance, and capital costs also increase by 6% to 10%.

These cost pressures raise ticket prices, which remain high for populations with modest incomes. At the same time, airlines face macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, uneven airport infrastructure development, and limited intra-African connectivity. The incomplete implementation of African airspace liberalization slows network integration and prevents a significant reduction in passenger costs.

According to theInternational Air Transport Association (IATA), the sector will record traffic growth of 6% in 2026, exceeding the global average of 4.9%. However, profitability will remain weak. African airlines will generate only $200 million out of $41 billion in global profits, with a margin of 1.3%, the lowest worldwide, and earnings per passenger far below the global average. Net profit will reach $1.3 per passenger, compared with $7.9 globally.

This situation occurs as the global air transport sector continues its gradual recovery, supported by post-pandemic traffic growth and intensifying competition among regional hubs. Across the continent, several countries have launched airport modernization and expansion programs to improve competitiveness and capture a larger share of passenger flows.

These initiatives align with broader efforts to strengthen intra-African connectivity, particularly through air market integration projects. Despite their absence from the global Top 100, platforms such as Marrakesh Menara Airport, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and Kigali International Airport rank among the best at the regional level, reflecting a gradual improvement in the sector.

Carelle Yourann (Intern)

Top 10 African airports in 2026 (Skytrax regional ranking)

1. Cape Town International Airport (South Africa)
2. OR Tambo International Airport (South Africa)
3. Marrakech-Menara Airport (Morocco)
4. King Shaka International Airport (South Africa)
5. Mohammed V International Airport (Morocco)
6. Cairo International Airport (Egypt)
7. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (Mauritius)
8. Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)
9. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia)
10. Antananarivo International Airport (Madagascar)