These are the world’s best airlines in 2026

8 hours ago

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There were big wins for Asian airlines with Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific all scooping top awards
Air France took best first class cabin following the launch of its ultra-exclusive La Premiere suites
AirAsia was the winner of the world's best low-cost carrier award

World's Best Airlines 2026 - Singapore Airlines' Goh Choon Phong (centre) accepts the award for World's Best Airline

The votes are in and Singapore Airlines has taken the top spot at this year’s World Airline Awards.

Widely billed as the ‘Oscars’ of the aviation industry, the World Airline Awards is organsied by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, and this year all was revealed during a glittering gala event at the Langham Hotel, London.

According to Edward Plaisted, chief executive officer of Skytrax, Singapore Airlines was named World’s Best Airline 2026 due to the “level of product and service excellence they are providing to customers”.

This is the sixth time Singapore Airlines has won this highest accolade and pushed Qatar Airways, who won last year, into second place. Singapore Airways also won World’s Best Economy Class and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA’s renowned standards for service and operational excellence,“ said Goh Choon Phong, chief executive officer at Singapore Airlines.

Cathay Pacific was placed third, followed by ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines and Korean Air in the top ten.

Qatar Airways took World’s Best Business Class Airline and World’s Best Business Class Lounge. Air France won World’s Best First Class Airline.

“These awards belong to our people. Sixty thousand colleagues deliver the best experience in the world for our passengers every day, and they have done so through a particularly challenging year,” commented Hamad Al Khater, Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer. “As Qatar Airways prepares to mark its thirtieth anniversary next year, their commitment and professionalism are the foundation of everything we have built.”

Cathay Pacific Airways took top honours for the World’s Best Cabin Crew, and also received the award for the World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge, with the recently transformed The Wing Lounge.

AirAsia was the winner of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline award, a title it has won every year since 2010 while Scoot received a top award as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline. Boutique airline Bangkok Airways was named the World’s Best Regional Airline for the tenth consecutive year.

Plaza Premium Group received the award as the World’s Best Airport Lounge Group for the tenth consecutive year. Three Plaza Premium Lounges – at Rome Fiumicino, London Heathrow and Dubai airports – ranked in the Top 10 Lounges worldwide.