Singapore Airlines Crowned World's Best Airline 2026

Plaisted noted this is the sixth time Singapore Airlines has claimed the top title in the history of the World Airline Awards.

"This success should be a source of pride and motivation for Singapore Airlines management and staff, made even more special because it marks the sixth time in the award's history that Singapore Airlines has won the highest accolade," he said.

Top 20 Airlines in the World for 2026

Skytrax included over 300 airlines in the 2026 World Airline Awards survey results. Here are the top 20 ranked airlines.

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 International Air Lines
20. Thai Airways

Qatar Airways, which previously won the World's Best Airline award nine times, ranked second in 2026.

Although not topping the main list, Qatar Airways won four major awards at the event, including World's Best Business Class Airline for the 13th time.

Qatar Airways also received the World's Best Business Class Lounge award for its Al Mourjan Business Lounge The Garden, Best Airline in the Middle East, and the inaugural World's Best Onboard Wi-Fi awards.

Cathay Pacific Wins Best Cabin Crew Award

Cathay Pacific Airways, ranked third in the 2026 World's Best Airlines, won the World's Best Cabin Crew award.

The airline also received the World's Best First Class Airline Lounge award, given to The Wing Lounge, which recently underwent a transformation.

Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said the awards reflect the team's efforts to deliver exceptional experiences and service to customers.

"We are honored to be once again recognized as one of the world's best airlines and to receive the World's Best Cabin Crew and World's Best First Class Airline Lounge awards," Lam said.

He added that Cathay Group has committed to investing around 150 billion Hong Kong dollars to expand and upgrade its fleet, refurbish cabins and lounges, and innovate digitally.

According to Lam, this investment aims to enhance customer experience and strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub.