In the ever-competitive world of global air travel, rankings are a crucial indicator of a nation's standing, and the latest World Airport Awards have delivered a clear message: the top of the continent's aviation landscape is shifting. According to the newly released AirHelp Score 2025, Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has dropped out of Africa's top 10, a significant change from its respectable 10th-place finish in the 2024 ranking. Meanwhile, South Africa's Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has not only maintained its top spot but has solidified its reputation as Africa's premier gateway.
This recognition for Cape Town is more than just a win; it places the airport firmly at the top of global air travel standards. CTIA achieved an impressive overall score of 8.57, a testament to its operational excellence and commitment to passenger satisfaction. The airport particularly excelled in two key areas: on-time performance, with a stellar rating of 8.6, and customer experience, scoring a remarkable 8.7. These high marks reflect a well-oiled machine that prioritizes punctuality and provides a seamless, stress-free journey for travelers.
The drop in ranking for JKIA is a wake-up call for Nairobi, a city that serves as a major hub for East Africa. While the reasons for its decline are not explicitly detailed in the report, such rankings often hinge on a combination of factors, including infrastructure, efficiency, service quality, and, of course, on-time performance. For an airport that has long been a vital link for international travel in the region, falling out of the top 10 indicates that other airports across the continent are rapidly improving and outcompeting it on key metrics.
