Best Airlines Flying to Africa from UK
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Best Airlines Flying to Africa from UK: A Complete Review (2026)
It is a long haul to fly to Africa. It’s a schlep most likely six to 15 hours, depending on where you’re headed. Choose the wrong airline, and you could end up with your legs cramped into a coach seat and bad food for even longer than that.
But with dozens of options and choices ranging from the all-business-class direct speed of British Airways to the wallet-friendly Ethiopian Airlines to the over-the-top luxury offered by Qatar Airways, which one should you choose?
We’ve tested out the major competitors at Good Flights to help you make a decision. And now our unbiased review of the top airlines to Africa in 2026.
Quick Verdict: Who Wins?
Don’t have time to read? Here is the cheat sheet:
- Best for Speed: Virgin Atlantic (Direct flights, and better movies than BA).
- Best for Bags & Budget: Ethiopian Airlines (2x 23 kg bags, massive network).
- Best for Luxury: Qatar Airways (award-winning, good for East/South Africa).
- Best for Food: Turkish Airlines (daring enough to actually feed you, nice layover).
The Direct Heavyweights: British Airways vs. Virgin Atlantic
If you are flying to major hubs like Lagos, Johannesburg, Accra, or Cape Town, you have the choice of flying direct.
Virgin Atlantic
- Pros: Fun atmosphere, modern planes (A350s), better in-flight entertainment, and generally friendlier crew.
- Cons: Often slightly more expensive than BA.
- Best For: Young travelers and families who want a modern experience.
British Airways (BA)
- Pros: Massive frequency (multiple flights a day), reliable schedule, and good premium economy options.
- Cons: Older planes on some African routes, strict baggage rules on cheaper tickets.
- Best For: Business travelers and loyalty program members.
The Catch: Direct flights can cost £200-£400 more than indirect ones.
The Value Kings: Ethiopian & Turkish Airlines
If you don’t mind a stopover to save money, these are your best friends.
Ethiopian Airlines
- Why choose them? They are the “Gateway to Africa.” They fly to almost every city in Africa via Addis Ababa.
- The Perk: Almost always includes 2x 23kg baggage (46kg total).
- The Stopover: Addis Ababa airport is busy, but functional.
- Verdict: The #1 choice for the African Diaspora returning home with gifts.
Turkish Airlines
- Why choose them? Often voted the best food in the sky. Their hub in Istanbul is world-class.
- The Perk: Very competitive prices to North and East Africa.
- Verdict: Great for a comfortable journey on a budget.
The Luxury Option: Qatar & Emirates
Flying to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar) or South Africa? The Middle Eastern airlines offer a superior experience.
- Pros: Huge legroom, incredible food, Wi-Fi on board, and smooth transfers in Doha or Dubai.
- Cons: The flight path is longer (you fly East to go South).
- Best For: Honeymooners or those who want to arrive feeling fresh.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
Airline | Price Range | Baggage (Economy) | Comfort Score | Best For |
Virgin Atlantic | High | 1 x 23kg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Direct Speed |
British Airways | High | 1 x 23kg | ⭐⭐⭐ | Business |
Ethiopian | Low | 2 x 23kg | ⭐⭐⭐ | Max Baggage |
Turkish | Low/Med | 2 x 23kg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Food/Value |
Medium | 2 x 23kg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Luxury | |
Royal Air Maroc | Very Low | 2 x 23kg | ⭐⭐ | Budget |
Note: Baggage rules depend on your specific ticket. Always check before booking.