From Air Korea to Emirates: The World's Best Airlines for 2026

The annual Aviation Excellence Awards, based on comprehensive surveys conducted by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association), were presented to airlines worldwide on June 10, 2026. These are the winners:

International Award - The Best in the World

Best Passenger Service: Korean Air
Best Entertainment: Emirates
Best Food & Drink: Qatar Airways
Best Seat Comfort: Eva Air
Best Internet: Delta Air Lines

Europe

Best Overall Airline: Virgin Atlantic
Best Passenger Service: KLM
Best Entertainment: Turkish Airlines
Best Food & Drink: Turkish Airlines
Best Seat Comfort: Finnair
Best Wi-Fi: AirBaltic

North America

Best Global Airline: Aeromexico
Best Low-Cost Airline: Southwest
Best Entertainment: Delta Air Lines
Best Food and Beverage: JetBlue
Best Seat Comfort: JetBlue
Best Wi-Fi: Hawaiian Airline

The Middle East

Best Overall Airline: Emirates
Best Passenger Service: Saudia
Best Entertainment: Emirates
Best Food & Beverage: Etihad Airways
Best Seat Comfort: Oman Air
Best Wi-Fi: Qatar Airways

Central and South Asia

Best Overall Airline: Air Astana
Best Passenger Service: Air India
Best Entertainment: Air India
Best Food & Drink: Sri Lankan
Best Seat Comfort: Indigo
Best Internet: Uzbekistan Airways

East Asia

Best Overall Airline: Singapore Airlines
Best Passenger Service: Korean Air
Best In-Flight Entertainment: ANA
Best Food & Drink: Korean Air
Best Internet: Japan Airlines

South Pacific

Best Overall Airline: Air New Zealand
Best Passenger Service: Fiji Airways
Best Entertainment: Qantas
Best Food and Drink: Fiji Airways
Best Seat Comfort: Virgin Australia
Best Wi-Fi: Qantas