Airline also wins Best Cabin Crew and Cleanest Airline honours in the regional categories
IndiGo has been named ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in India & South Asia’ at the 2026 World Airline Awards, marking the 16th time the airline has received the best low-cost airline recognition across regional categories during its 20-year operating history.
The airline also received the ‘Best Cabin Crew in India & South Asia’ and ‘Cleanest Airline in India & South Asia’ awards at this year’s ceremony, held in London on September 18. Skytrax’s official 2026 results list IndiGo as the winner in all three categories.
16th low-cost airline recognition
IndiGo, which began operations in 2006, has expanded from a domestic carrier into an international airline serving destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
The latest Skytrax recognition comes as the airline marks its 20th year of operations. IndiGo said the award reflects its focus on affordability, operational reliability and a simplified travel experience.
Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said the 16th recognition as Best Low-Cost Airline reflects the airline’s focus on operational performance and customer experience.
“Being recognised as the Best Low-Cost Airline for the 16th time by Skytrax, in IndiGo’s journey of 20 years so far, reflects our relentless focus on operational excellence and hassle-free experiences.”
Walsh added that the recognition also reflected the contribution of IndiGo’s workforce and the continued support of its customers.
Skytrax survey records passenger feedback
The World Airline Awards are based on Skytrax’s annual global passenger satisfaction survey. The 2025–2026 survey was conducted from September 2025 through August 2026 and included customers from more than 100 nationalities, with more than 300 airlines represented in the final results.
Skytrax says survey entries are screened for user and IP information, with duplicate, suspect and ineligible responses removed. The survey is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, congratulated IndiGo on the regional low-cost airline award, highlighting the carrier’s domestic presence in India and international network.
“We congratulate IndiGo on this fabulous achievement by winning the award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in India & South Asia, which the management and staff should be very proud of.”
Plaisted also noted IndiGo’s network across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe and its reputation for affordable and reliable air services.
IndiGo continues international expansion
The awards come as IndiGo continues to expand its international network. The airline currently operates more than 2,000 daily flights, connecting more than 95 domestic and 40 international destinations, according to its latest corporate information. IndiGo said it welcomed more than 123 million customers in FY2026.
The carrier has also been adding international connectivity during 2026, including new routes and longer-haul services as it expands its presence beyond the Indian market.
Skytrax’s 2026 results additionally place IndiGo third among the Best Low-Cost Airlines in Asia, behind AirAsia and Scoot, while the airline ranks second in the broader Best Airlines in India/South Asia category.
