Qatar Airways ranks second and Cathay Pacific third as Singapore Airlines also wins global economy-class honours
Singapore Airlines has been named World’s Best Airline 2026 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, returning to the top position for the sixth time in the awards’ history.
The results were announced at a ceremony at The Langham Hotel in London on September 18, 2026. Qatar Airways ranked second in the global airline ranking, followed by Cathay Pacific Airways in third, ANA All Nippon Airways in fourth and Turkish Airlines in fifth.
Singapore Airlines also collected the awards for World’s Best Economy Class and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, alongside being named Best Airline in Asia. The airline’s First Class Suite was also recognised as the World’s Best First Class Airline Seat.
Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said the recognition reflected the airline’s focus on customer experience and the contribution of its employees.
“We are grateful to our customers for their trust and support, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class travel experience every time they fly with us.”
He added that the award recognised the dedication and professionalism of Singapore Airlines employees in maintaining the carrier’s service and operational standards.
Qatar Airways takes four major honours
Qatar Airways, which held the top position in 2025, moved to second in the 2026 global ranking while securing several major category awards.
The airline was named World’s Best Business Class, with its Qsuite recognised as the World’s Best Business Class Seat. Its Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport won the World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge award.
Qatar Airways also retained the title of Best Airline in the Middle East and became the inaugural winner of World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi, a new Skytrax category introduced in 2026.
Cathay Pacific leads cabin crew category
Cathay Pacific Airways ranked third overall and was named World’s Best Airline Cabin Staff, with Singapore Airlines placing second and Malaysia Airlines third in the category.
The Hong Kong-based carrier also secured the award for World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge for The Wing at Hong Kong International Airport.
Air France delivered a strong showing in the premium categories, winning World’s Best First Class, World’s Best First Class Lounge Dining and World’s Best First Class Comfort Amenities. The airline was also named Best Airline in Western Europe.
AirAsia retains global low-cost airline title
AirAsia was named World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 17th consecutive year, extending a run that began in 2010. Scoot retained the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline title for the sixth consecutive year.
In the regional low-cost categories, IndiGo was named Best Low-Cost Airline in India & South Asia, flynas retained the Middle East title, FlySafair won in Africa, JetSMART Airlines took the South American award and Allegiant Air was named Best Low-Cost Airline in North America.
STARLUX, EVA Air and Bangkok Airways among major winners
STARLUX Airlines was named World’s Cleanest Airline, with the carrier also retaining its Skytrax Five-Star Airline Rating for a second consecutive year.
EVA Air collected three global honours, including World’s Most Family Friendly Airline, World’s Best Premium Economy Class and World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Comfort Amenities.
Bangkok Airways was named World’s Best Regional Airline for the 11th consecutive year, correcting the 10-year streak stated in the supplied copy. Porter Airlines ranked second globally and Virgin Australia third.
Egyptair was named World’s Most Improved Airline, ahead of Air India and Royal Jordanian Airlines.
Other major regional winners included Turkish Airlines as Best Airline in Europe, Air Canada as Best Airline in North America, LATAM as Best Airline in South America, Ethiopian Airlines as Best Airline in Africa, Qantas Airways as Best Airline in Australia/Pacific and LOT Polish Airlines as Best Airline in Central Europe.
Oneworld reclaims alliance title
Oneworld was named World’s Best Airline Alliance, returning to the top of the category after last winning in 2021. Star Alliance ranked second and SkyTeam third.
Star Alliance’s Paris Charles de Gaulle lounge retained the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge title.
Plaza Premium Group was named World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge Group in 2026, while the Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York LaGuardia won the separate award for World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge.
Singapore Airlines leads global Top 20
The 2026 World’s Top 20 Airlines ranking placed Singapore Airlines first, followed by Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines.
Emirates ranked sixth, followed by Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines and Korean Air. EVA Air was 11th, Qantas Airways 12th, STARLUX Airlines 13th, Lufthansa 14th and Saudia 15th.
Iberia ranked 16th, Air Canada 17th, Virgin Atlantic 18th, Swiss International Air Lines 19th and Thai Airways 20th.
Passenger survey determines 2026 results
The World Airline Awards, established in 1999, are based on Skytrax’s annual international airline customer satisfaction survey. The 2026 survey was conducted between September 2025 and August 2026 and attracted more than 24.8 million eligible survey entries, representing more than 100 nationalities and covering more than 300 airlines. Skytrax says duplicate, suspect and ineligible entries were removed as part of its survey screening process.
The awards are presented by Skytrax as passenger-choice awards, with the results based on traveller feedback rather than an industry judging panel.
