There is no better feeling than getting through security to the airport departure lounge, when your out-of-office is turned on, the first pre-flight drink is poured, and you’re wandering through duty-free with the glorious knowledge that work emails literally cannot reach you at 35,000 feet.
And if you’re going to be spending a few hours in the sky, it helps to know which airlines are the ones worth booking. The world’s best airlines for 2026 have just been crowned at the 2026 World Airline Awards – aka the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’ – and there’s been a shake-up at the very top. Singapore Airlines has taken the number one spot, knocking last year’s winner Qatar Airways down to second.
The results were announced at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in London on September 18, with Singapore Airlines taking the title for the sixth time. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific came in third, while ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines rounded out the top five. Singapore Airlines also picked up the awards for World’s Best Economy Class and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, as well as Best Airline in Asia.
The rankings are based on Skytrax’s annual passenger survey, which collected more than 24.8 million responses from travellers around the world between September 2025 and August 2026, covering more than 300 airlines.
And while Singapore Airlines might have taken the big prize, Qatar Airways didn’t leave empty-handed. The airline picked up four awards, including World’s Best Business Class Airline for the 13th time, as well as World’s Best Business Class Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East. It also took the inaugural award for World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi.
The world’s best airlines for 2026
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- Air France
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air
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