Air France and Qatar Airways topped their respective categories, with Air France named World’s Best First Class and Qatar Airways claiming World’s Best Business Class at the 2026 World Airline Awards announced by Skytrax.
EVA Air took the title for World’s Best Premium Economy, and Singapore Airlines secured World’s Best Economy Class. Qantas also made its mark, ranking ninth in First Class, 13th in Premium Economy, and 14th in Business Class.
Beyond the cabins: Awards for seats, lounges, and catering
The awards, often called the “aviation Oscars”, are decided by public voting, offering a snapshot of global carrier performance. Singapore Airlines also won for the World’s Best First Class Airline Seat, while Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong lounge was named the World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. Lufthansa received accolades for its First Class onboard catering.
In Business Class, Qatar Airways’ Qsuite won the best seat award, and its Al Mourjan Garden Lounge in Doha took the lounge category. Turkish Airlines was recognized for the best Business Class onboard catering.
Overall winners and budget airlines
Singapore Airlines was named World’s Best Airline for 2026, with Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific following in second and third place, respectively. The top 10 also included ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air.
Read Also: Cambodia tourism summit highlights community benefits beyond Angkor
Among budget airlines, AirAsia won World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 17th consecutive year. Scoot ranked second globally and took the title for World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline. Jetstar was named Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia and ranked second in the long-haul category.
Service, entertainment, and connectivity awards
Cathay Pacific won the World’s Best Cabin Crew award, with Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines following. Qantas ranked 18th globally and took the Australia/Pacific regional title. Emirates won for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment, ahead of Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, with Qantas ranking ninth globally.
Qatar Airways won the inaugural World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi award, ahead of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. On the ground, Plaza Premium Group was named World’s Best Airport Lounge Group, with the Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York LaGuardia taking the title for World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge.
Cleanliness and regional titles
STARLUX Airlines was named the World’s Cleanest Airline for 2026, ahead of Singapore Airlines and ANA All Nippon Airways. While not as glamorous as other awards, a clean cabin is essential for a comfortable flight experience.