Qatar Airways claims top spot as the world's finest airline for a second consecutive year.
Fresh Take
On June 17, 2025, Qatar Airways swept the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the second consecutive year, claiming the title of the World's Best Airline for an astounding ninth time in the awards' 26-year history. Dubbed as the "Oscars of aviation," the event happened at Le Bourget Airport's Art Deco terminal, pulling in approximately 500 attendees, including airline heads, CEOs, and crew members.
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airway's Group CEO, touted, "This recognition is more than just an award, it's a celebration of the passion, precision, and purpose that defines us as an airline."
Besides nabbing the top spot, Qatar Airways ranked high in other categories, claiming the top three positions for Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Business Class, and Best Economy Class. Al-Meer also boasted that the company was titled the Best Airline in the Middle East and offered the Best Business Class Lounge experience globally.
Edward Plaisted from Skytrax stated, "We congratulate Qatar Airways on these victories, which should bring immense pride and satisfaction to the airline's management and staff."
Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner, took the second spot, also gaining accolades for World's Best Cabin Crew, World's Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia. Sequentially, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and ANA All Nippon Airways snagged third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively. "We welcomed back many returning champions and were thrilled to see newcomers in the limelight," said Skytrax CEO Plaisted.
The leading airlines in 2025, according to Skytrax:
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Korean Air
- Air France
- Japan Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- EVA Air
- British Airways
- Qantas Airways
- Lufthansa
- Virgin Atlantic
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- STARLUX Airlines
- Air Canada
- Iberia
However, not all carriers flourished equally. Iberia, Air Canada, and STARLUX Airlines struggled to meet expectations, according to consistent passenger feedback. On a positive note, Qantas Airways experienced an upward trend, rising ten spots from its lowly 24th place in 2024, securing the 14th spot in the 2025 awards. This impressive improvement was based on votes from passengers representing more than 100 nationalities, making it the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey.
Notably, other airlines also scooped up major awards:
- Singapore Airlines – Second-best airline
- Turkish Airlines – Best Airline in Europe
- Air France – Best Airline in Western Europe (also Top First Class Comfort Amenities and World's Best First Class Lounge Dining)
- Air Transat – World’s Best Leisure Airline
- AirAsia – World’s Best Low-Cost Airline
- Air Canada – Best Airline in North America
- Ethiopian Airlines – Best Airline in Africa
- Star Alliance – World’s Best Alliance.
Additionally, Qatar Airways amassed a total of eight awards at the 2025 ceremony, showing their dominance not just as the top global airline but also for premium travel experiences, especially in business class.
- Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is essential as Qatar Airways, the World's Best Airline, continues to prioritize sustainability in their premium travel experiences.
- For travel enthusiasts seeking technological advancements, the World's Best Inflight Entertainment, offered by Qatar Airways, promises an innovative eco-lifestyle approach to air travel.
