Africa’s aviation scene has been changing rapidly in recent years, and low-cost carriers are playing a major role in opening the skies to more people.
Affordable fares, flexible schedules, and straightforward service mean travellers can now move between major cities and regional hubs far more easily than before.
Top 5 Low-Cost Airlines in Africa 2025
Skytrax’s 2025 list of the best low-cost airlines in Africa showcases the carriers leading this transformation, combining efficiency with competitive pricing. Here are the five that have truly stood out.
1. FlySafair
FlySafair has become the go-to choice for domestic travellers in South Africa, known for its punctual operations and transparent, no-frills model.
The airline keeps things simple, offering affordable base fares while letting customers add extras like baggage or seat selection only if they need them. Its extensive domestic network links Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and other key cities, making it especially convenient for both business and leisure flyers.
Reliability has been a big part of its appeal, with a reputation for on-time departures. Cabins are straightforward but comfortable, with options to purchase refreshments onboard.
Over the years, FlySafair has earned a strong customer following by focusing on efficiency, affordability, and delivering exactly what low-cost travel promises: safe, straightforward flights that get passengers where they need to go without unnecessary extras.
2. LIFT
A relative newcomer to South Africa’s skies, LIFT has quickly built a reputation for fresh thinking and customer-friendly policies. Its model blends affordability with modern flexibility, including options like free flight changes and stylish onboard touches that stand out from typical low-cost operations.
LIFT operates mainly between Johannesburg and Cape Town, one of the busiest routes in the country, but its impact has been significant despite the focused network.
The airline has positioned itself as a disruptor, emphasising digital convenience, attractive branding, and a more engaging flying experience.
Passengers appreciate its roomy seating layout compared to some rivals, plus the welcoming service provided by the crew. While still expanding, LIFT has shown that low-cost travel in Africa doesn’t always have to mean basic—innovation and customer care can go hand in hand.
3. Fastjet
Fastjet operates across southern Africa, with a strong presence in Zimbabwe and regional links to South Africa and beyond. Established to provide affordable air travel in markets where ticket prices were traditionally high, Fastjet has carved out a niche by focusing on dependable, lower-cost connections between key cities.
The airline’s fleet of Embraer aircraft offers a practical balance of comfort and efficiency, well-suited for short to medium routes.
Passengers can expect simple cabins, with the option to buy snacks or extras if needed. Over the years, Fastjet has faced its share of industry challenges, but its ability to adapt and remain relevant has made it a consistent choice for budget-conscious travellers in the region.
It plays an important role in linking communities and encouraging air travel as an accessible option in southern Africa.
4. Jambojet
Kenya’s Jambojet is a subsidiary of the national carrier Kenya Airways, but with a sharper focus on low-cost efficiency. Based in Nairobi, it connects key cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Malindi, making it an essential player in the domestic market.
It has also expanded regionally, offering flights to neighbouring countries, which makes it appealing to both leisure and business travellers.
Jambojet’s brand centres on affordability without cutting back on safety or reliability—key concerns for its growing passenger base. The cabins are clean and functional, with optional add-ons for those who want more flexibility. For many Kenyans, Jambojet has provided the first accessible alternative to lengthy road or rail journeys, reducing travel time significantly.
5. fly540
fly540, based in Nairobi, has been operating for more than a decade and is one of the early low-cost pioneers in Africa. Its network includes both domestic Kenyan routes and some regional services, making it an important connector in East Africa.
While smaller in scale compared to Jambojet, fly540 has maintained relevance by keeping fares competitive and focusing on routes that serve everyday travel needs.
The airline operates with a no-frills approach—simple cabins, straightforward service, and optional extras available at a cost. Although the fleet and network are modest, passengers continue to value its role in providing reliable, low-cost air travel in markets where options are limited. By being consistent and affordable, fly540 has managed to retain a place in Africa’s fast-growing low-cost aviation sector, even as competition has increased.
Bottom Line
The African low-cost market may still be developing compared to Europe or Asia, but the progress is unmistakable. Each carrier has its own strengths, but all share the same mission: making air travel accessible to a wider population. In 2025, these five stand out for the way they’re reshaping expectations of what affordable flying in Africa can be.
FAQs
The ranking for the best low-cost airlines in Africa has been published by Skytrax, the global aviation rating program.
The best low-cost carrier in Africa is Fly Safair.
Factors like service, route network, on-time performance, and value for money are taken into consideration in the final rankings.
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