20 Best Airlines in the World Named. Only Six Are European

European airlines notably fell in the rankings of the World Airline Awards this year: the top ten was almost entirely occupied by carriers from Asia and the Middle East.

Singapore Airlines received the main title, Qatar Airways took second place, Cathay Pacific third, and the best European airline was Turkish Airlines, which ranked fifth.

Only six European airlines made it into the top twenty: Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic, and Swiss International Air Lines joined Turkish Airlines.

The winners of the 2026 World Airline Awards were announced at a gala ceremony in London, organized by the aviation rating agency Skytrax.

The award, dubbed the 'Oscars of the aviation industry,' has been presented since 1999, and as Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted noted, it 'highlights the quality of product and service that airlines provide to their passengers.'

More than 300 airlines were evaluated in the ranking, and although European operators failed to surpass their competitors in the main category, they showed quite respectable results in other categories.

Air France particularly distinguished itself, receiving awards for the world's best first class, the best first class lounge dining, and the world's best first class amenity kits, and was also recognized as the best airline in Western Europe.

Spanish Vueling received the award for the best low-cost airline in Europe; German Eurowings, Spanish Iberia Express and Volotea, and Dutch Transavia were also recognized in this category.

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines won three awards: for the best airline in Europe, for the world's best business class dining, and for the best airline in Southern Europe.

«To be recognized as the best airline in Europe for the eleventh time and to take first place in two other categories is a great honor for us, the Turkish Airlines family,» stated Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board, Murat Şeker.

In other nominations, Iberia received an award for the best ground staff service among European airlines, and LOT Polish Airlines was honored with the title of best airline in Central Europe.

No European company made it into the leaders of the 'best cabin crew' category, where Cathay Pacific Airways received the main prize, and only Greek Aegean Airlines made it into the top ten best regional airlines in the world, taking fourth place.

Qatar Airways Loses Leadership

In the overall ranking, Qatar Airways, a nine-time winner of the title of best airline in the world, dropped to second place, ceding to Singapore Airlines.

Nevertheless, the Doha-based carrier managed to win four major awards, including the title of the world's best business class airline — for the thirteenth time — and the best airline in the Middle East.

The company also became the first laureate of a new award for the world's best onboard Wi-Fi. This nomination was introduced this year to emphasize the importance of fast and free internet access on board for many modern travelers.

20 Best Airlines in the World in 2026

1. Singapore Airlines;
2. Qatar Airways;
3. Cathay Pacific;
4. ANA All Nippon Airways;
5. Turkish Airlines;
6. Emirates;
7. Air France;
8. Hainan Airlines;
9. Japan Airlines;
10. Korean Air;
11. EVA Air;
12. Qantas Airways;
13. STARLUX Airlines;
14. Lufthansa;
15. Saudi Arabian Airlines;
16. Iberia;
17. Air Canada;
18. Virgin Atlantic;
19. Swiss International Air Lines;
20. Thai Airways.

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