According to a report released on March 19, 2026, the airport earned high marks for its modern infrastructure, cleanliness, security, and quality services, including food and beverage offerings. It was also praised for its calm environment and efficient passenger handling.

Skytrax noted that although Kigali’s airport is relatively small, passenger traffic continues to grow, driven in part by the expansion of RwandAir.

The ranking is based on a star-rating system evaluating various services, where five stars represent the highest quality. Kigali International Airport received strong ratings particularly for minimizing long walking distances, facilitating communication, and offering multilingual support from staff.

Renovation works that began in July 2022 have further improved the airport’s capacity, enabling it to accommodate more than 50 aircraft at once.

However, Skytrax highlighted areas for improvement, including high prices for food and retail items, as well as the need to expand shopping options for travelers.

Across the continent, Cape Town International Airport in South Africa ranked first and remains the only African airport with a four-star rating, recognized for its advanced infrastructure and premium passenger experience.

It is followed by O. R. Tambo International Airport in second place, known for handling large passenger volumes and connecting travelers globally, and Marrakech Menara Airport in Morocco, which ranked third due to its architectural design and passenger comfort.

Other airports listed among Africa’s top 10 include King Shaka International Airport in South Africa, Mohammed V International Airport in Morocco, Cairo International Airport in Egypt, and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius.

Kigali International Airport ranked ahead of Bole International Airport in Ethiopia, which received a lower rating due to concerns over service quality, particularly in security.

Meanwhile, Ivato International Airport in Madagascar placed 10th, with Skytrax noting challenges in accessibility and transport services despite decent infrastructure and acceptable cleanliness.

Overall, Kigali International Airport continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Africa’s most efficient and passenger-friendly airports, with consistent improvements in service delivery and infrastructure.