By Elias Al Helou

Home Sector Logistics Qatar Airways retains title as world’s best airline in Skytrax awards, Emirates and Saudia secure top accolades

Qatar Airways retains title as world’s best airline in Skytrax awards, Emirates and Saudia secure top accolades

Singapore Airlines won the World’s Best Cabin Crew and Best Airline in Asia awards

The World's Top 100 Airlines in 2025 announced in the World Airline Awards.

Published: Wed 18 Jun 2025, 11:01 AM

The Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2025 have been revealed, with Qatar Airways maintaining its title as the world’s best airline for the ninth consecutive year. The awards were presented at the Paris Air Show, held at the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Paris, France.

In addition to being named the best airline, Qatar Airways received several other accolades, including Best Airline in the Middle East, Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Lounge.

Dubai-based Emirates has also made the list of the world’s 10 best airlines for 2025 in the latest rankings.

Commenting on their success, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways group CEO, said:“Being named the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time is an extraordinary honor. This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline. To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation. We are equally proud to have been named the Best Airline in the Middle East, to once again hold the title of the World’s Best Business Class, and to be recognized for offering the Best Business Class Airline Lounge experience globally. These accolades reaffirm our ambition not only to lead, but to redefine what exceptional service means in aviation. Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, elevated journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation. Being continuously recognized as a 5-Star Airline further underscores our mission: to set new benchmarks for the industry and to ensure that our passengers feel genuinely cared for, valued and inspired to return. These awards are not just wins for us, they are a tribute to the trust of millions of travellers who choose us every year and a clear validation of our vision to shape the future of air travel.”

The five-time winner of the prestigious Airline of the Year award, Singapore Airlines, ranks No. 2 in the world for 2025, while Cathay Pacific Airways has moved up to third place. Emirates holds the No. 4 position, with ANA All Nippon Airways coming in fifth, among over 325 airlines featured in the survey results.

The World’s top 20 airlines in 2025

Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Emirates
ANA All Nippon Airways
Turkish Airlines
Korean Air
Air France
Japan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Swiss Int’l Air Lines
EVA Air
British Airways
Qantas Airways
Lufthansa
Virgin Atlantic
Saudi Arabian Airlines
STARLUX Airlines
Air Canada
Iberia

Singapore Airlines took top honors with the award for the World’s Best Cabin Crew, and its First Class Suites continue to excel, winning the award for the World’s Best First Class. In one of the most competitive regions for airline service standards, Singapore Airlines also claimed the title of Best Airline in Asia.

Taiwanese carrier STARLUX Airlines was named the World’s Most Improved Airline for 2025, reflecting quality enhancements across the entire awards program. At the start of the awards event in Paris, STARLUX Airlines also received its 5-Star Airline Rating for the first time, bringing the total number of 5-Star Airlines worldwide to eleven.

Air Transat was named the World’s Best Leisure Airline, marking the third consecutive year the Canadian airline has triumphed in this category.

ANA All Nippon Airways achieved the No. 4 global ranking, repeating its success by winning the award for the World’s Best Airport Services. ANA also secured the award for the Best Airline Staff Service in Asia.

AirAsia repeated its win as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, a title it has held each year since 2010. Scoot received recognition as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline.

German low-cost airline Eurowings achieved its first victory at the World Airline Awards, receiving the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe, a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive market. Allegiant Air was named the Best Low-Cost Airline in North America.

JetSMART earned the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in South America.

The award for the World’s Most Family Friendly Airline was given to Lufthansa, recognizing features such as family seating policies, family check-in facilities, priority boarding, children’s meals, and service assistance from ground staff and cabin crew.

Plaza Premium was recognized as the World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge operator, with its lounge at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport ranking No. 1 in 2025.

Cathay Pacific received the award for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment, followed by Emirates in second place and Qatar Airways in third.

Saudia won the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East award. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, stated: “This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests. While we celebrate this milestone, our journey continues—with bold investments and a clear vision to become one of the world’s leading airlines.”

The Regional Airline Awards recognize airlines primarily operating domestic and/or international flights up to approximately six hours. Bangkok Airways won the title of World’s Best Regional Airline for the ninth consecutive year, solidifying its status as a customer favorite.

In the India/South Asia region, low-cost airline IndiGo received the top award as the Best Airline in India/South Asia, along with the Best Low-Cost Airline award for the region.

Qantas Airways was named the Best Airline in Australia/Pacific for the second time, while Virgin Australia won the award for Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific and Best Regional Airline in the region.

In North America, Air Canada was recognized as the Best Airline in North America, with its Toronto Pearson Signature Suite also winning the Best Business Class Lounge Dining award. Delta Air Lines received the award for Best Airline Staff Service in North America.

In Africa, Ethiopian Airlines won the Best Airline in Africa award for the seventh consecutive year, while FlySafair was honored as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa.

Turkish Airlines was named the Best Airline in Europe, winning additional awards for World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe.

China’s Hainan Airlines received awards for Best Airline in China, Best Airline Staff Service in China, and World’s Best Business Class Comfort Amenities.

Air France was a multiple winner, taking home the title of Best Airline in Western Europe, World’s Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and its Paris CDG Terminal 2 Lounge winning the World’s Best First Class Lounge Dining award.

Star Alliance was awarded the title of World’s Best Airline Alliance and also won the Best Airline Alliance Lounge award for its lounge at Paris CDG Airport, Terminal 1.