This year has been marked by historic achievements for one Middle Eastern airline. Just weeks after announcing the largest wide-body aircraft order in Boeing’s history, Qatar Airways is celebrating another major milestone.
The national carrier of Qatar has been named the World’s Best Airline for 2025 at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced Tuesday during the Paris Air Show.
Ninth win for Qatar Airways in the “Oscars of Aviation”
This is the ninth time in 26 years that Qatar Airways has claimed the top spot, earning what’s often called the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”
Setting new standards
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, commented, “This recognition is not just an award, but a celebration of the passion, precision, and purpose that define us as an airline.”
He added, “Retaining this title in such a dynamic and competitive industry reflects the relentless efforts across every aspect of our business—from those on the front lines to the teams working behind the scenes. The passion and commitment of our team continue to set new standards in the world of aviation.”
Qatar Airways also received several other honors:
- Best Airline in the Middle East
- World’s Best Business Class
- Best Business Class Lounge
These awards follow Qatar Airways’ recent announcement of a deal to purchase around 210 wide-body aircraft, including 130 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9 jets, in a landmark agreement unveiled last month.
Al-Meer added, “These awards reaffirm our ambition not only to lead but to redefine exceptional service in aviation. Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, luxurious travel experience that anticipates our passengers’ needs and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.”
Elevated travel experiences: World’s Best Airline 2025
Last year’s winner, Singapore Airlines, took second place for 2025. Singapore Airlines, which has claimed the top spot five times, also won:
- World’s Best Cabin Crew
- World’s Best First Class
- Best Airline in Asia
Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong secured third place, while Emirates ranked fourth overall and third for Best Family Airline in the world for 2025. Fifth place went to All Nippon Airways (ANA) of Japan.
Air France ranked eighth globally, taking home the awards for Best Airline in Western Europe and World’s Best First Class Comfort Amenities. Its First Class Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport’s Terminal 2 also won for Best First Class Lounge Dining.
Other top airlines included Turkish Airlines (6th), Korean Air (7th), Japan Airlines (9th), and Hainan Airlines (10th).
Consistency and customer trust
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, stated, “This year, we welcomed a large number of previous winners and were also delighted to see new faces and airlines represented at the event.”
He continued, “As evident from several repeat winners, customers clearly value consistent quality when voting for these airlines.”
The Skytrax Awards, launched in 1999, are described as “completely independent and impartial.” This year’s results were compiled from surveys of about 22.3 million customers across more than 325 airlines.
The official ceremony took place at the historic Art Deco terminal of the original Le Bourget Airport, during the Paris Air Show, attended by around 500 airline representatives from across the globe, including CEOs, presidents, and flight crews.
Low-cost and regional airlines shine
AirAsia claimed the title of World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the sixteenth consecutive year at the Skytrax Awards.
Tony Fernandes, AirAsia CEO and co-founder, said, “Winning the world’s best low-cost airline award for 16 consecutive years is unbelievable. From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to welcoming our one-billionth guest this year, we’ve achieved this journey with the unwavering support of our guests and the dedication of our amazing ‘Allstars’ team.”
Virgin Atlantic won World’s Best Premium Economy Class for 2025, while Bangkok Airways of Thailand was named World’s Best Regional Airline for the ninth consecutive year.
IndiGo, another low-cost carrier, earned the titles of Best Airline in India/South Asia and Best Low-Cost Airline in the region.
Air Canada was named Best Airline in North America, and its Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson Airport won for Best Business Class Lounge Dining.
Regional excellence and cleanest airlines
Ethiopian Airlines was recognized as Best Airline in Africa for the seventh consecutive year, while Turkish Airlines was named Best Airline in Europe, as well as winning Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe.
Saudia (formerly Saudi Arabian Airlines) won Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, remarked, “This award reflects our front-line team’s dedication and the trust of our valued guests.”
Top 10 Airlines in the World for 2025
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Turkish Airlines
- Korean Air
- Air France
- Japan Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
World’s Best Cabin Crews 2025
- Singapore Airlines
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Cathay Pacific
- Garuda Indonesia
- EVA Air (Taiwan)
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Starlux Airlines
- Korean Air
Top Low-Cost Airlines Worldwide 2025
- AirAsia
- Scoot
- IndiGo
- Eurowings
- Vueling
- Volotea
- Transavia
- Iberia Express
- flynas
- easyJet
Top Regional Airlines Worldwide 2025
- Bangkok Airways
- Virgin Australia
- Porter Airlines
- Aegean Airlines
- Azerbaijan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
- Hong Kong Airlines
- RwandAir
- Royal Air Maroc
Cleanest Airlines in the World 2025
- EVA Air
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Cathay Pacific
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Starlux Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air
- China Southern Airlines