The World's 20 Best Airlines in 2026
For the sixth time, Singapore Airlines is the best airline in the world according to Skytrax.
Air travel continues to evolve as airlines compete to provide passengers with better service, comfortable cabins, reliable operations, and memorable experiences. According to the 2026 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, several airlines are deemed to be the best in the world.
The rankings are based on the choices of passengers through the Skytrax World Airline Survey, making them a reflection of customer experiences across the global aviation industry.
Singapore Airlines takes the number-one position in 2026, marking its sixth time receiving the highest accolade in the history of the World Airline Awards. Qatar Airways, which topped the previous year's ranking, moves into second place, while Cathay Pacific Airways retains third.
ANA All Nippon Airways ranks fourth, followed by Turkish Airlines in fifth. Emirates occupies sixth place, while Air France comes seventh. Hainan Airlines ranks eighth, with Japan Airlines in ninth and Korean Air completing the top ten.
The second half of the top 20 begins with EVA Air in 11th place and Qantas Airways in 12th. Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines follows in 13th, while Lufthansa ranks 14th. Saudia takes 15th place, followed by Iberia in 16th.
Air Canada is ranked 17th, Virgin Atlantic 18th, Swiss International Air Lines 19th, and Thai Airways completes the top 20. Compared with the 2025 results, several airlines moved significantly within the ranking, including STARLUX Airlines, Iberia, and Thai Airways.
The 2026 list demonstrates the strong presence of Asian airlines among the world's leading carriers. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, STARLUX Airlines, and Thai Airways all appear in the top 20.
European and Middle Eastern airlines are also strongly represented, with Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa, Saudia, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic, and Swiss International Air Lines making the list.
Skytrax describes the World Airline Awards as passenger-choice awards, with customers selecting the airlines they consider the best.
The survey evaluates different aspects of the airline experience, allowing carriers to be recognized for their overall performance as well as specialized areas such as cabin classes, onboard catering, cleanliness, and cabin crew service.
In 2026, for example, Singapore Airlines also received the awards for World's Best Economy Class and World's Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, while Cathay Pacific was named the World's Best Cabin Crew.
Overall, the 2026 top 20 ranking reflects the diversity of the international airline industry. From major global carriers to newer airlines such as STARLUX, the list includes companies serving passengers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Australia.