Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline at the 2026 World Airline Awards, held on 18 September at London’s Langham Hotel. This marks the Singaporean carrier’s sixth time winning Skytrax’s top award, alongside recognition for the world’s best economy class and best economy class onboard catering.

In a ranking covering more than 300 airlines, last year’s winner, Qatar Airways, took second place, followed by Cathay Pacific in third. Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines completed the top five. Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines and Korean Air rounded out the top ten.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong thanked passengers for their trust, noting that the award reflects the dedication and professionalism of the airline’s employees and their role in maintaining standards of service and operational excellence.

Qatar Airways retained its leading position in business class, winning the award for the thirteenth time. Its Al Mourjan Business Lounge The Garden was named the world’s best business class lounge, while the carrier also received awards for the best airline in the Middle East and the world’s best onboard Wi-Fi. The latter category was introduced this year to recognise the importance of fast, free internet connectivity during travel.

Cathay Pacific won awards for the world’s best cabin crew and best first class airline lounge, with its refurbished The Wing lounge highlighted. Air France was named the world’s best first class airline and also received awards for first class lounge dining and first class comfort amenities. EVA Air won recognition for the best premium economy class and premium economy class amenities, as well as being named the world’s most family-friendly airline.

Turkish Airlines was the highest-ranked European carrier and was named Europe’s best airline for the eleventh time. Alongside fifth place in the global ranking, it won awards for the world’s best business class catering and best airline in Southern Europe. Air France was named the best airline in Western Europe, LOT in Central Europe, while Iberia received the award for the best airline staff service in Europe. Lufthansa placed 14th overall, Iberia 16th and SWISS 19th.

In the low-cost segment, AirAsia took the top award, while Scoot was named the world’s best long-haul low-cost airline for the sixth consecutive year. Vueling won the title of Europe’s best low-cost airline for the first time and ranked third globally in the category, ahead of Eurowings and Iberia Express. Bangkok Airways was named the world’s best regional airline for the tenth consecutive year.

STARLUX Airlines received the award for the world’s cleanest airline, while ANA won for the best airport services. Emirates ranked first for inflight entertainment, and Egyptair was named the world’s most improved airline. Regional winners included Air Canada in North America, LATAM in South America and Ethiopian Airlines in Africa.

In the airline alliance category, oneworld was named the world’s best for the fifth time, reclaiming the title for the first time since 2021. Star Alliance received the award for the best airline alliance lounge, located in Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The World Airline Awards have been presented since 1999 and are based on passenger evaluations. According to Skytrax, the costs of the survey and awards ceremony are fully covered by the organiser, which emphasises the independence and impartiality of the process.