Singapore Airlines. Photo: BearFotos / Shutterstock.com Singapore Airlines has been named the World’s Best Airline for 2026 at the World Airline Awards, taking the top title for the sixth time in the history of the Skytrax awards.
The results were announced at a gala ceremony at London’s Langham Hotel on September 18, bringing airline executives from around the world to the annual event, which Skytrax describes as one of the biggest customer satisfaction surveys in the aviation industry.
Singapore Airlines also collected two other major awards, being named the World’s Best Economy Class Airline and winning the World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering award.
Qatar Airways, which won the overall title last year, ranked second in 2026. Cathay Pacific was third, followed by ANA All Nippon Airways in fourth and Turkish Airlines in fifth. Emirates ranked sixth, while Air France was seventh, Hainan Airlines eighth, Japan Airlines ninth and Korean Air 10th.
The survey covered more than 300 airlines, with passengers from more than 100 nationalities taking part. Skytrax said the survey ran from September 2025 through August 2026, with entries screened for duplicate and ineligible responses.
Qatar Airways. Photo: ShutterstockAlthough Qatar Airways did not retain the overall award, it collected four major titles.
The airline was named the World’s Best Business Class Airline for the 13th time. Its Al Mourjan Business Lounge The Garden also won the World’s Best Business Class Lounge award.
Qatar Airways was additionally named the Best Airline in the Middle East and received the inaugural World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi award, a new category introduced for the 2026 awards.
Cathay Pacific, meanwhile, won World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. The airline ranked third overall.
Air France. Photo: ShutterstockAir France had a strong showing in the premium cabin categories. It won World’s Best First Class Airline, World’s Best First Class Lounge Dining and World’s Best First Class Comfort Amenities.
The French carrier also retained the title of Best Airline in Western Europe.
Other notable winners included Turkish Airlines, which was named Best Airline in Europe, Best Airline in Southern Europe and World’s Best Business Class Catering. It also finished fifth in the overall global ranking.
STARLUX Airlines was named the World’s Cleanest Airline, while AirAsia won World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 17th consecutive year. Scoot was named World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the sixth consecutive year.
Bangkok Airways collected the World’s Best Regional Airline award for the 10th consecutive year.
EVA Air. Photo: ShutterstockEVA Air won three major awards: World’s Most Family Friendly Airline, World’s Best Premium Economy Class and World’s Best Premium Economy Class Amenities.
Air Transat was named World’s Best Leisure Airline, while Egyptair received the World’s Most Improved Airline award.
Among regional winners, Air Canada took the Best Airline in North America title, Ethiopian Airlines won Best Airline in Africa, Hainan Airlines was named Best Airline in China for the 15th consecutive year, and LATAM Airlines won Best Airline in South America.
Vueling received its first World Airline Award, winning Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe.
Skytrax says the World Airline Awards are independently operated, with the organization covering the costs of the survey and awards process. The awards were introduced in 1999 and are based on passenger feedback collected worldwide.