Qatar Airways named ‘World’s Best...

Middle East’s Emirates and Saudia airlines also in top 20

Qatar Airways has been awarded this year’s ‘Airline of the Year’ by Skytrax, winning for an unprecedented ninth time in the history of the awards.

Skytrax, the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry', were announced at a gala ceremony on 17 June 2025 in the Air Space Museum at the Paris Air Show attended by 500 guests representing airlines globally.

In addition to being named 'World's Best Airline', Qatar Airways scooped the top awards for the 'World’s Best Business Class', the 'World’s Best Business Class Lounge' and the 'Best Airline in the Middle East'.

This comes just weeks after announcing its strongest-ever financial performance.

Commenting on the achievements, the airline’s Group CEO, Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: "To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind the scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation."

Two other Middle East airlines also earned places in the top 20, with Emirates ranked at number four, down one place from last year, and Saudia positioned at 17, up three places from 2024 rankings.

The 2023 'Airline of the Year' winner, Singapore Airlines, was ranked second again in 2025, taking top honours with the award for the World’s Best Cabin Crew and their First Class Suites, with Cathay Pacific in third place, Emirates in fourth and ANA All Nippon Airways in fifth position, out of more than 325 airlines included in the survey results.

The World’s Top 20 Airlines in 2025

Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Emirates
ANA All Nippon Airways
Turkish Airlines
Korean Air
Air France
Japan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Swiss Int’l Air Lines
EVA Air
British Airways
Qantas Airways
Lufthansa
Virgin Atlantic
Saudi Arabian Airlines
STARLUX Airlines
Air Canada
Iberia

Among other Middle East airline awards, Saudia scored a win for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, Emirates took 2nd place for its First Class Suites (after Singapore Airlines) and for its inflight entertainment.

The World Airline Awards began in 1999, and remain independent and impartial with all of the customer survey costs and awards event paid by the organisers, Skytrax.

For more information, visit skytraxratings.com

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