It came as no surprise to anyone, as the best airline in the world is once again the same for the sixth consecutive year: Singapore Airlines. Thus, the flag carrier of the eponymous Asian country (SIA) has emerged as the absolute winner of the latest World Airline Awards Skytrax 2026, considered the Oscars of the international aviation industry.
The awards ceremony, organized by the leading consultancy in the sector Skytrax since 1999, brought together presidents, CEOs, and representatives of the major international airlines at The Langham hotel in London. There, the ranking was announced, based on a survey of more than 24.8 million travelers worldwide who evaluate the service of around 300 companies.
Singapore Airlines not only emerged as the top airline globally, but its economy class was also chosen as the best in the world, in addition to having the best onboard catering service in that class. Therefore, Goh Choon Phong, CEO of the SIA group, thanked passengers' trust during the ceremony, highlighting "the employees' work to maintain the company's service standards and operational excellence." Furthermore, its low-cost sister, Scoot, was named the best long-haul low-cost airline for the sixth consecutive year.
Following Singapore Airlines, the second position globally went to Qatar Airways, which also received four more awards: best business class airline in the world, best business class VIP lounge in the world, best airline in the Middle East, and best onboard Wi-Fi connection. This last distinction was awarded for the first time in 2026, recognizing the importance of connectivity during the flight.
In this regard, Hamad Al Khater, CEO of Qatar Airways, dedicated the awards to the 60,000 employees of the company on the eve of celebrating the company's 30th anniversary in 2027. Cathay Pacific, the premium airline based in Hong Kong, positioned itself in third place once again among the top three airlines in the world. Additionally, in this edition, it also received distinctions for the best cabin crew in the world and the best first-class VIP lounge in the world. "These recognitions are a reflection of the great effort of the entire Cathay Pacific team, which continues to offer the highest standards of experience and customer service, both onboard and on the ground. And, most importantly, they encourage us to continue improving as we work to become our customers' favorite service brand," stated Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay Group.
ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines continue to top the list of the best airlines globally in fourth and fifth place, while the complete list is occupied by the following: Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Qantas Airways, STARLUX Airlines, Lufthansa, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Iberia (in 16th place), Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss International Air Lines, and Thai Airways.
Regarding low-cost airlines, Air Asia, based in Malaysia, was recognized as the best globally, a title it has held for the seventeenth consecutive year. From Spain, Vueling, part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), received the award for the best low-cost airline in Europe for the first time. Its CEO and president, Carolina Martinoli, attributed the award to the dedication of its over 5,000 employees and the trust placed by 40 million users who fly with them each year.
On the other hand, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, congratulated the Spanish company "for the fantastic achievement" as Europe is "the most competitive region in the world" for this type of companies. "The management and all professionals at Vueling must be very proud of this recognition, which clearly demonstrates the high level of quality of their service and customer care," he added.
Turkish Airlines won the award for the best airline in Europe, while Air France received the award for Western Europe and LOT Polish Airlines for Central Europe. It is also worth noting the presence of a Spanish airline, Iberia, which received the award for the best airline staff service in Europe. Its president and CEO, Marco Sansavini, drew attention to the company's employees, emphasizing the importance of the Flight Plan 2030, which includes significant investments in personnel, products, and digital technology.
Air Canada was recognized as the best airline in North America, while LATAM Airlines received two awards: best airline in South America and best airline staff service in that region. Moving on to Qantas Airways, which claimed the top spot among those in Australia/Pacific, and Ethiopian Airlines among those in Africa.
On the other hand, Bangkok Airways, based in Bangkok, was named the best regional airline in the world for the tenth consecutive year, also being the number one in Asia. Azerbaijan Airlines received the award for the best in Central Asia, while from the Middle East, Saudia from Saudi Arabia received the award for the best airline staff service in that region.
The World Airline Awards Skytrax 2026 also recognized the efforts of the most improved airlines this year. And the number one was Egyptair, based in Egypt, which led a significant transformation in fleet, cabins, onboard service, digital platforms, ground operations, and training.
As for first class, Air France received three recognitions: the best in the world, the best dining service in first-class VIP lounge, and the best first-class amenities globally. It was also recognized as the best airline in Western Europe, as mentioned earlier.
EVA Air from Taiwan triumphed in the categories of the most family-friendly airline in the world, the best premium economy class in the world, and the best services in premium economy class. Regarding airline alliances, Oneworld was recognized as the best, a title it obtained for the first time in 2021. Its CEO, Ole Orver, highlighted the benefits for customers, loyalty, sustainability initiatives, and premium options of the members.