Despite the increasing number of traveller complaints, these are the four airlines that have soared above and beyond expectations of South African travellers.
South Africans voted these airlines as their top four airlines:
- Singapore Airline
- Emirates and Airlink tied in second place
- Qatar Airways
“There are always going to be ups and downs when it comes to air travel, but it’s pleasing to see how much effort many leading global carriers are putting in to maximise the traveller experience,” said Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa.
These are the most popular airlines, routes and highlights of South Africa’s top four airlines:
1. Singapore Airlines
Most popular flights: Operates a daily non-stop flight to Singapore’s Changi Airport from OR Tambo.
Highlights:
- The airline’s cabin crew undergoes extensive training (lasting around four months), which includes cultural sensitivity, wine appreciation and etiquette.
- Average aircraft age of just seven years.
- Has won the Skytrax Best Airline award five times
2. Emirates
Most popular flights: Emirates operates three daily flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, two daily flights between Dubai and Cape Town and daily flights between Dubai and Durban.
Highlights:
- Renowned for its luxurious cabin offerings, particularly in its First and Business Class. The airline operates the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, featuring unique amenities such as full-standing showers in First Class and a bar/cocktail lounge on the upper deck of the A380.
- The airline’s in-flight entertainment system has consistently won awards for its extensive offerings. Passengers can access over 5,000 channels of movies, TV shows and music, making it one of the most comprehensive entertainment systems available in commercial aviation.
- Recently introduced new cabin interiors and a Premium Economy class.
3. Airlink
Most popular flights: OR Tambo is their most popular domestic destination
Highlights:
- Operates an expansive route network to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries and to St Helena Island.
- Flies a total of 130 routes per year to 15 countries. Airlink partners with these international airlines to ensure seamless transfers: Delta Air Lines, Air France, Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways.
- Has over 60 aircraft operating throughout Southern Africa.
- Annually carry more than 3 million customers on more than 75,000 flights.
4. Qatar Airways
Most popular flights: Doha is the primary destination for South Africans flying with Qatar Airways. The airline offers two daily flights from OR Tambo and one daily flight from Cape Town.
Highlights:
- Operates one of the most modern fleets in the world, with over 200 aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
- Recently introduced the Qsuite to business class, offering fully flat beds, direct aisle access and private spaces for groups.
- Named the ‘World’s Best Airline’ multiple times at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, including in 2024.
- Complimentary amenity kits and noise-cancelling headphones for business and first-class passengers.
- Onboard Wi-Fi on select aircraft.
