The 2025 World Airline Awards have revealed the world’s best airlines, celebrating global excellence in aviation, onboard service and passenger satisfaction.
Each year, travellers from across the globe vote to determine the world’s best airlines, with results unveiled at a glittering ceremony hosted by Skytrax. In 2025, the event was held on 17 June at the iconic Hall of Eight Columns at Le Bourget Airport during the Paris Air Show, drawing over 500 airline leaders and crew members from around the world.
What are the World Airline Awards?
Organised by Skytrax, the World Airline Awards are often referred to as the Oscars of the aviation industry. Established in 1999, the awards remain completely independent and impartial. No airline pays to enter or participate, and over 100 nationalities took part in the latest online survey, which ran from September 2024 to May 2025. With more than 325 airlines featured, the awards are the largest passenger satisfaction study in the world.
World’s Best Airline for 2025: Qatar Airways
Topping the list of the world’s best airlines in 2025 is Qatar Airways, which also took home nine additional accolades. Based in Doha, Qatar Airways is praised for its ultra-modern fleet (averaging five years of age), award-winning service, luxurious onboard experience and global network of more than 150 destinations.
Qatar Airways Awards:
- Airline of the Year 2025
- World’s Best Business Class
- World’s Best Business Class Seat
- Best Airline in the Middle East
- Best Business Class in the Middle East
- Best Economy Class in the Middle East
- Best Business Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East
- Best Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East
- Cleanest Airline in the Middle East
- Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East
Skytrax: 20 best airlines in the world 2025
Best in class
- World’s best first class: Singapore Airlines
- World’s best business class: Qatar Airways
- World’s best premium economy: Virgin Atlantic
- World’s best economy: Cathay Pacific
Best airlines in Asia
Asia was well-represented among the world’s best airlines, with standout performances from regional heavyweights:
- Singapore Airlines: World’s Best Cabin Crew, World’s Best First Class, Best Airline in Asia
- ANA All Nippon Airways: World’s Best Airport Services, Best Airline Staff Service in Asia
- Cathay Pacific: World’s Best Inflight Entertainment
- STARLUX Airlines: World’s Most Improved Airline
- Hainan Airlines: Best Airline in China, Best Staff Service in China, World’s Best Business Class Comfort Amenities
- IndiGo: Best Airline in India / South Asia
Best airlines in Australia & the Pacific
In the Australia/Pacific region, the spotlight was firmly on homegrown favourites:
- Qantas Airways: Best Airline in Australia / Pacific
- Virgin Australia: Best Airline Staff Service in Australia / Pacific, Best Regional Airline in Australia / Pacific
Best airlines in Europe
Among the world’s best airlines, European carriers made a strong showing:
- Turkish Airlines: Best Airline in Europe, World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering, Best Airline in Southern Europe
- Air France: Best Airline in Western Europe, World’s Best First Class Comfort Amenities, World’s Best First Class Lounge Dining (Paris CDG Terminal 2)
- Lufthansa: World’s Most Family Friendly Airline
Best airlines in the Americas
North and South America were also recognised among the world’s best airlines.
- Air Canada: Best Airline in North America, Best Business Class Lounge Dining (Toronto Pearson Signature Suite)
Best airlines in the Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa featured some of the most celebrated names in the industry:
- Saudia: Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East
- Ethiopian Airlines: Best Airline in Africa (for the 7th consecutive year)
World’s best business class airlines
World’s best airport lounges
Top 10 best airports in the world
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