Lufthansa at Skytrax awards. Photo: Lufthansa Lufthansa has been named the world’s best airline for First Class onboard dining at the 2026 World Airline Awards in London.
The award was presented by aviation research organization Skytrax and is based on its annual international passenger survey. This year’s survey included 24.8 million travelers from more than 100 countries and covered more than 300 airlines.
Lufthansa took the top position in the “World’s Best First Class Onboard Dining” category, recognizing its food and beverage offering in the airline’s most premium cabin.
Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, said the award reflects both the airline’s culinary offering and the work of its employees on the ground and in the air. He said Lufthansa is continuing to modernize its fleet, cabins and lounges while developing its onboard services.
At the end of August, the airline announced it would add five hot meals to its Economy Class menu while expanding Business Class meal pre-selection from September 1, 2026.
The airline’s First Class menu has been developed in cooperation with two-Michelin-starred chef Christoph Kunz and catering company gategourmet.
Lufthansa also credits its First Class cabin crews for their role in the experience, particularly in preparing and serving meals during flights.
Since March 2026, passengers departing from Germany in Lufthansa First Class have been offered a new fine-dining concept. The updated service provides a wider selection of dishes and more flexibility for passengers to build their own menus.
The offering includes Lufthansa’s signature caviar service, a gourmet breakfast and a selection of premium champagne.
For the first time, Lufthansa is also offering La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot as a permanent prestige champagne in First Class.
The airline’s wine program has also been updated. A team of experts, including four Masters of Wine, selects and changes the wine offering each month.
The dining program forms part of Lufthansa’s wider Future Onboard Experience, or FOX, initiative, which aims to update the passenger experience across the airline’s cabins.
Lufthansa Allegris First Class Suite Plus. Photo: LufthansaThe initiative is being introduced alongside new aircraft, the Allegris cabin product and modernized lounges as part of Lufthansa’s broader premium offering.
Skytrax has conducted its World Airline Awards passenger survey since 1999. The organization describes the awards as being based on passenger feedback collected from travelers around the world.
The 2026 results were announced at the World Airline Awards ceremony in London, where airlines were recognized across a range of cabin, service and overall passenger experience categories.