The World’s Best Airlines in 2025: SKYTRAX Airline Awards

SKYTRAX World Airline Awards 2025: The Best Airlines and Cabins Revealed

Each year, the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards recognises the best airlines across the globe — and the 2025 results are in. Voted by millions of travellers worldwide, these awards reveal not just who’s delivering top-notch service in the skies, but which cabins and carriers are worth your points or miles.

Before we dive into the winners by cabin class, here’s a look at the Top 10 Airlines of 2025 — as voted by travellers around the world.

1. Qatar Airways – World’s Best Airline

With a focus on luxury, innovation, and exceptional service, Qatar Airways continues to lead the skies. From its award-winning Qsuite in Business Class to exquisite in-flight dining and a modern fleet averaging just 5 years of age, it’s no surprise this Doha-based airline tops the list yet again.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines blends world-class service with comfort and culinary excellence. Flying to over 110 destinations, its fleet of more than 180 aircraft (including Scoot) supports its global reputation for reliability and luxury.

3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is a founding member of oneworld and offers top-tier passenger and cargo services across 200+ destinations. Its modern fleet and attention to detail have earned it accolades in both Business and Economy classes.

4. Emirates

With Dubai as its global hub, Emirates connects six continents with one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the sky. Known for its opulence, Emirates offers premium service in all cabins, including spacious First Class suites and A380 lounges.

5. ANA All Nippon Airways

Japan’s largest airline, ANA combines innovation with tradition, offering connections via its dual-hub model through Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports. With strong domestic and international networks, it continues to climb the ranks for premium service.

6. Turkish Airlines

Flying to more countries than any other airline, Turkish Airlines lives up to its slogan — connecting passengers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas with warmth and extensive route access. Its Business Class catering also continues to win hearts (and awards).

7. Korean Air

As a founding SkyTeam member, Korean Air shines with its exceptional inflight services, modern aircraft, and strong regional and international reach. It remains a favourite for travellers across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

8. Air France

Sophistication meets reliability with Air France, one of Europe’s most iconic carriers. With hubs in Paris and Amsterdam (via KLM), Air France-KLM Group offers access to 312 destinations in 116 countries — while delivering a distinctly French touch.

9. Japan Airlines (JAL)

With over 230 aircraft, JAL brings signature Japanese hospitality to the skies. Known for superior safety, refined service, and efficient hubs in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Okinawa, it's a go-to choice for Asia-bound travellers.

10. Hainan Airlines

A rising star, Hainan Airlines has rapidly expanded to serve major destinations across China, Asia, Europe, North America, and the Pacific. It continues to grow in both fleet and service reputation — with standout Business Class amenities.

The World’s Best Airlines in 2025  – By Cabin Class

If you’re as obsessed with flying (especially on points) as we are, this list is your boarding pass to the very best airlines across every cabin class.

From Economy to First, here’s who’s taking out the top spots this year—and where Aussie favourites like Qantas and Air New Zealand landed.

Economy Class Just Got an Upgrade

Economy isn’t what it used to be—and this year’s winners prove it.

World’s Best Economy Class Airlines – Top 10:

1. Cathay Pacific Airways – taking out the crown in 2025!

2. Qatar Airways

3. Singapore Airlines

4. ANA (All Nippon Airways)

5. Japan Airlines

6. EVA Air

7. Emirates

8. STARLUX Airlines

9. Hainan Airlines

10. Turkish Airlines

🧑‍🍳 Best Onboard Catering: EVA Air
🛋️ Best Economy Seat: Japan Airlines

Takeaway: Cathay Pacific proves that even in Economy, service, comfort and design matter. If you're booking long-haul soon, it’s a great time to try them—especially with points.

Premium Economy: The Sweet Spot

If you're after more legroom and better food without the Business Class price tag, this is your list.

World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines – Top 10:

1. Virgin Atlantic – they’ve nailed comfort and catering.

2. Japan Airlines

3. Emirates

4. Singapore Airlines

5. EVA Air

6. Cathay Pacific Airways

7. British Airways

8. Air France

9. Qantas Airways

10. ANA

🍽️ Best Premium Economy Catering: Virgin Atlantic
🛏️ Best Premium Economy Seat: Emirates

Why it matters: Premium Economy continues to blur the line between Business and Economy—and Virgin Atlantic is setting the new standard.

Business Class: Where Comfort Meets Class

Business Class isn’t just about lie-flat seats anymore—it’s about privacy, fine dining, and lounges that feel like five-star hotels.

💼 World’s Best Business Class Airlines – Top 10:

1. Qatar Airways – still the benchmark thanks to their Qsuite.

2. Singapore Airlines

3. ANA

4. Cathay Pacific Airways

5. Air France

6. Hainan Airlines

7. STARLUX Airlines

8. Japan Airlines

9. Turkish Airlines

10. Virgin Atlantic

🏆 Best Business Class Seat: Qatar Qsuite
🍷 Best Lounge Dining: Air Canada (Toronto Signature Suite)
🥘 Best Onboard Catering: Turkish Airlines
💼 Best Business Class Lounge: Qatar Airways – Al Mourjan Garden, Doha
🧴 Best Amenities: Hainan Airlines

Why it’s worth watching: Qatar is redefining what business travel looks like—with privacy, luxury and unbeatable hospitality.

First Class: The Pinnacle of Flying

For those who believe flying should be an experience—not just a journey.

World’s Best First Class Airlines – Top 10:

1. Singapore Airlines – their Suites are still second to none.

2. Emirates

3. Air France

4. Cathay Pacific Airways

5. Lufthansa

6. ANA

7. Japan Airlines

8. Swiss

9. Qatar Airways

10. British Airways

🍽️ Best First Class Catering + Seat: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites
🏢 Best Lounge: Lufthansa Frankfurt
🍷 Best Lounge Dining + Amenities: Air France

What makes it special? Singapore’s A380 Suites offer a private room in the sky. Literally. Combine that with exceptional service and dining, and it's no surprise they’ve taken the top spot.

Aussie & Pacific Winners: Qantas Still Leads the Way

The regional awards for the Australia/Pacific zone show Qantas holding strong—especially in Economy and Business—while Air New Zealand grabs the spotlight in Premium Economy and lounges.

🏅 Best Economy Class Airline – Qantas Airways
🍴 Best Economy Catering – Qantas Airways
🪑 Best Premium Economy Airline – Qantas Airways
🥘 Best Premium Economy Catering – Air New Zealand
💼 Best Business Class Airline – Qantas Airways
🛋️ Best Business Lounge – Air New Zealand (Auckland)
🍽️ Best Business Class Catering – Qantas Airways

The Ultimate Winners: 2025’s Best of the Best

Here’s a quick look at who came out on top across all categories:

Who Should You Fly Next?

Whether you’re flying for business, heading overseas with points, or splashing out on a First Class treat—these winners should be on your radar.

Flying economy? Cathay Pacific is raising the bar.
Chasing better comfort in premium cabins? Virgin Atlantic and Emirates are setting new benchmarks.

Booking with points? These awards can help you spend fewer miles for a much better experience. (Check out our Pointrs for tips on how to do just that.)

Want help booking your next trip using miles or points with one of these top airlines?
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