Singapore Airlines has been named the best airline in the world at the 2026 World Airline Awards. The company has jumped one position compared to the previous year to take the first place, beating Qatar Airways.
Often called the “Oscars of the airline industry,” the 2026 World Airline Awards were given based on passenger opinions. Qatar Airways, which ranked first in the world nine times, took second place, and Cathay Pacific retained third. ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines jumped to fourth and fifth, respectively, as Emirates fell from fourth to sixth. Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air occupied the next five spots, with the majority of the world’s best airlines belonging to Asia and the Middle East.
In addition, several airlines received trophies in specific categories. Singapore Airlines received the award for the Best Economy Class, while Qatar Airways received the trophy for the 13th time in a row as the best airline in the world in first class. Cathay Pacific took second place in the world’s best cabin crew category, and Emirates took first place in the best in-flight entertainment category.
World Airline Awards are organized by Skytrax, an independent British research and consultancy firm. The rankings are based on a passenger survey, which is international and voluntary. However, the organization does not disclose all the data and statistical details of the awards. Thus, despite the high profile of the awards, the selection process cannot be considered completely transparent, and the results cannot be regarded as a hundred percent accurate scientific opinion.
