- Singapore Airways claims number one spot in Skytrax World Airline Awards
Singapore Airways has won the 2026 World Airline Awards knocking last year’s winner Qatar Airways into second place.
The Skytrax awards also saw Cathay Pacific Airways in third place, ANA All Nippon Airways ranked No. 4 and Turkish Airlines in fifth position, out of more than 300 airlines included in the survey results. Qantas came in at 12th spot, a two place improvement on last year and was also named Best Airline in Australia/Pacific.
Former nine times winner of the World’s Best Airline title Qatar Airways still managed to take home four top awards including the World’s Best Business Class Airline.
“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,” Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA’s renowned standards for service and operational excellence.”
Qantas climbed two places to 12th spot.Singapore Airlines also scooped the World’s Best Economy Class title, and the World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering awards.
“These successes should be a source of great pride and motivation for Singapore Airlines management and staff, made even more special by the fact this is the sixth occasion in the awards history that Singapore Airlines has won this highest accolade,” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.
AirAsia won the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline award, a title it has won every year since 2010. Scoot received a top award as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline.
“To be recognised as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for a landmark 17th consecutive year is truly monumental, and something I will never take for granted,” AirAsia co-founder and Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said.
“Especially today, when aviation continues to face so much uncertainty and geopolitical headwinds. It underscores our resilience, agility, and uncompromising commitment to low-cost excellence.”
The world’s top 20 airlines 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 Int’l Air Lines
20. Thai Airways
