Singapore Airlines is the world's best airline for 2026, according to the latest World Airline Awards from Skytrax, announced at a ceremony in London. Qatar Airways, winner nine times previously, slipped to second, with Cathay Pacific completing the top three. ANA and Turkish Airlines round out the top five.
It was a tough year for Europe in the overall table. Only six European carriers made the top 20: Turkish Airlines (5th), Air France (7th), Lufthansa (14th), Iberia (16th), Virgin Atlantic (18th) and Swiss (19th). The rest of the upper echelon belonged to Asia and the Middle East, with Emirates, Hainan, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air and STARLUX all ranking highly. More than 300 airlines were assessed in the survey, which Skytrax has run since 1999 and is often called the aviation industry's Oscars.
Still, European carriers picked up plenty of silverware elsewhere. Air France had a standout night, taking best first class in the world, plus awards for first class lounge dining and comfort amenities, and the best airline in Western Europe. Turkish Airlines was named Europe's best airline for the 11th time and also won best business class catering and best airline in Southern Europe — chairman Murat Şeker called it a great source of pride for the airline. Vueling took best low-cost airline in Europe, beating Eurowings, Iberia Express, Volotea and Transavia, while Iberia won for best staff service in Europe and LOT Polish Airlines was named best in Central Europe.
The gaps were equally telling. No European airline featured in the world's best cabin crew rankings, which Cathay Pacific topped, and only Greece's Aegean Airlines cracked the top 10 for best regional airline, in fourth place.
Qatar Airways consoled itself with four category wins: best business class for a record 13th time, best airline in the Middle East, and the inaugural award for the world's best onboard Wi-Fi — a new category reflecting how much travellers now value fast, free connectivity in the air.
For anyone booking long-haul flights this year, the table is a handy shortcut: if premium comfort matters most, the Asian and Gulf carriers justify their reputations, and Singapore Airlines is the pick of the lot. But European travellers need not despair — Air France is now arguably the world's best bet for first class, Turkish Airlines sets the standard for business class food, and Vueling proves budget doesn't have to mean bottom of the class.
