Singapore Airlines has taken the top spot in the World Airline Awards 2026, marking its sixth victory in the annual Skytrax rankings. The airline surpassed Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific in the overall category while also securing awards for economy class and onboard catering.
The ceremony took place in London on September 18, 2026, with airline executives from across the globe in attendance. Skytrax, which organizes the awards, funds the customer surveys and event independently to maintain impartiality. The competition includes over 300 airlines worldwide, with winners determined by passenger feedback and operational performance.
This marks the sixth time Singapore Airlines has earned the World’s Best Airline title since the awards began in 1999. The carrier also won the World’s Best Economy Class award and the World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering accolade, further solidifying its reputation for outstanding service.
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Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, said: “We are grateful to our customers for their trust and support, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class travel experience every time they fly with us. This award is a sign of the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA’s renowned standards for service and operational excellence.”
Qatar Airways Dominates Business Class and Tech
These results highlight a broader industry shift, where airlines now face greater scrutiny over passenger experience beyond flight reliability. Qatar Airways, last year’s winner, placed second overall but dominated business class categories, including its thirteenth consecutive win for World’s Best Business Class. The carrier also claimed the inaugural World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi award, introduced this year to recognize the rising importance of inflight connectivity.
Cathay Pacific, which ranked third overall, won awards for World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. Its parent company, Cathay Group, has committed around HK$150 billion to investments covering its fleet, cabins, lounges, and digital innovation.
Beyond the top three, the awards covered nearly every segment of the aviation industry. AirAsia retained its title as World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, an award it has won every year since 2010. StarLux Airlines earned the World’s Cleanest Airline award and also received its 5-Star Airline Rating for the second consecutive year in the airline’s six-year history. Scoot was named the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the sixth consecutive year.
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Air France received the awards for World’s Best First Class, World’s Best First Class Lounge Dining and World’s Best First Class Comfort Amenities, as well as the title of Best Airline in Western Europe. Vueling, part of International Airlines Group, received the Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe award for the first time. Bangkok Airways was named the World’s Best Regional Airline for the 10th consecutive year and also retained the Best Regional Airline in Asia title.
Tech Reshapes Passenger Expectations in Aviation
The introduction of the Wi-Fi award this year shows how technology has become a key differentiator in an industry once defined by hospitality.
Turkish Airlines, ranked fifth overall, received three awards: Best Airline in Europe, World’s Best Business Class Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe. The European airline title marked its 11th win in the category.
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EVA Air collected three major titles: World’s Most Family Friendly Airline, World’s Best Premium Economy Class and World’s Best Premium Economy Class Amenities. The carrier pioneered Premium Economy in 1992. Saudia retained the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East award, with the carrier describing the result as its second consecutive recognition in the category. Qantas Airways won the Best Airline in Australia / Pacific title and the Best Airline Staff Service in Australia / Pacific award.
Regional Winners Highlight Global Diversity
In North America, Air Canada was named Best Airline in North America, while its Toronto Pearson Signature Suite won the Best Business Class Lounge Dining award. Allegiant Air was named Best Low-Cost Airline in North America for the third consecutive year. Malaysia Airlines won Best Airline Staff Service in Asia and placed third in the World’s Best Cabin Crew ranking. Air Transat was named the World’s Best Leisure Airline, marking the eighth time the Canadian carrier has won the category.
In Africa, Ethiopian Airlines received the Best Airline in Africa award, while FlySafair was named Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa. RwandAir received the Best Airline Staff Service in Africa award. Hainan Airlines collected three awards: Best Airline in China for the 15th consecutive year, Best Airline Staff Service in China and World’s Best Business Class Airline Amenities. ANA All Nippon Airways, which ranked fourth globally, received the World’s Best Airport Services award.