And the Oscar for finest transporter goes to…
The aviation ranking business Skytrax announced the winners of its annual 2026 World Airline Awards, known as "the Oscars of the aviation industry," on Friday.
To decide the winners, Skytrax conducted the world's largest transporter passenger fulfillment survey. From September 2025 to August 2026, customers from complete 100 nationalities completed Skytrax's questionnaire in eight languages, evaluating airlines on their cleanliness, onboard WiFi, airfield services and lounges, and offerings in economy, business, and archetypal class, among another factors.
Out of the additional than 325 airlines included in the study results, Singapore Airlines was named the world's finest in 2026 — the sixth period the transporter has won the top place since the awards began in 1999.
"We congratulate Singapore Airlines on this important accomplishment of being named the World's Best Airline 2026 which highlights the flat of merchandise and assistance excellence they are providing to customers," Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted stated in a media release.
Take a appearance at the 20 finest airlines in the world, according to passengers.
20. Thai Airways
Thai Airways additionally placed 10th in Skytrax's World's Best Cabin Crew ranking.
19. Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss International Air Lines, Switzerland's emblem carrier, was earlier classified 11th in Skytrax's 2025 ranking and 10th in 2024.
18. Virgin Atlantic
The UK's Virgin Atlantic placed fifth in Skytrax's rankings of World's Best Inflight Entertainment and World's Best Premium Economy Class.
17. Air Canada
Skytrax named Air Canada the Best Airline in North America. The airline's Signature Suite lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport additionally won the award for Best Business Class Lounge Dining.
16. Iberia
Iberia, the flag-carrier transporter of Spain, won Skytrax's award for Best Airline Staff Service in Europe.
15. Saudi Arabian Airlines
Saudi Arabian Airlines won Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East for the second successive year.
14. Lufthansa
Germany's Lufthansa placed third in the rankings of the World's Most Family Friendly Airlines and the World's Best First Class Airlines.
13. STARLUX Airlines
Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines won Skytrax's award for World's Cleanest Airline, and placed seventh for the World's Best Cabin Crew award.
12. Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways, Australia's flagship airline, won the awards for Best Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific.
11. EVA Air
The Taiwan-based EVA Air took the top place in three categories: World's Most Family Friendly Airline, World's Best Premium Economy Class, and World's Best Premium Economy Class Amenities.
It was sixth for World's Best Cabin Crew, and fourth for World's Best Economy Class.
10. Korean Air
Korean Air made the top 10 in Skytrax's World Airline Awards. It placed seventh in 2025 and 11th in 2024.
9. Japan Airlines
In supplement to placing ninth in Skytrax's World's Best Airlines ranking, Japan Airlines additionally placed ninth in the 2026 ranking of World's Best Cabin Crew and third in World's Best Airport Services.
8. Hainan Airlines
Headquartered in Haikou, Hainan, China, Hainan Airlines was recognized as the Best Airline in China and won Skytrax's Best Airline Staff Service award in China.
Hainan Airlines additionally won the award for World's Best Business Class Airline Amenities and placed among the top 5 airlines for cleanliness, airfield services, finest endeavor class, and finest division crew.
7. Air France
Air France won awards in multiple Skytrax categories, including World's Best First Class, World's Best First Class Lounge Dining, and World's Best First Class Comfort Amenities.
6. Emirates
Dubai-based Emirates won Skytrax's award for Best In-Flight Entertainment. It additionally made the top 5 for family friendliness, archetypal class, and premium economics classes.
5. Turkish Airlines
In supplement to placing fifth worldwide, Turkish Airlines won Best Airline in Europe and Best Business Class Catering.
4. All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Japanese airline, placed fourth in the general ranking and won Skytrax's award for Best Airport Services. It was additionally classified among the finest airlines for cleanliness, division crew, and endeavor and economics classes.
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways made the top three of Skytrax's World Airline Awards and took residence the award for World's Best Cabin Crew. Its airfield lounge, The Wing, additionally won Best First Class Airline Lounge.
It classified second rearward Singapore for finest economics class, third for finest endeavor class, and fourth for finest premium economy.
2. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has earlier won the heading of world's finest transporter nine times in Skytrax's ranking. While it came in second in the general competition this year, the transporter won the first Best Onboard WiFi award and the World's Best Business Class award for the 13th time.
1. Singapore Airlines
Skytrax named Singapore Airlines the finest airline in the earth in 2026. It's the sixth period that the transporter has won the top spot.
Singapore Airlines additionally won Skytrax's awards for World's Best Economy Class and Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.
"We are grateful to our customers for their rely and support, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class journey cognition all period they fly alongside us," Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong stated in a statement. "This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA's renowned standards for assistance and operational excellence."
