World’s 10 best airlines for 2025, as per Skytrax

Dubai-based Emirates has been listed among the world’s 10 best airlines for 2025, in new rankings released on Tuesday (June 17, 2025).

Leading the Skytrax World Airline Awards is Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, followed by Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) rounded out the Top 5. 

The awards were given away at the sidelines of the week-long Paris Air Show, which runs from June 16 to 22, one of the biggest events on the European aviation calendar.

Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, EVA Air wrap up the top 10.

The World’s Best Airlines 2025, according to Skytrax’s latest World Airline Awards:

1. Qatar Airways

For the ninth consecutive year, Qatar Airways has claimed the coveted World’s Best Airline title. Its dominance extends to World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge (Al Mourjan Garden Lounge at Doha’s Hamad International Airport), a testament to its unrivaled in-flight luxury and ground amenities.

2. Singapore Airlines

A perennial favourite, Singapore Airlines once again placed second, earning top honours for World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class. Its opulent First Class suites—complete with double beds and gourmet dining—set the gold standard in premium travel

 3. Cathay Pacific

Coming in at third, Cathay Pacific continues to shine with exceptional service and hospitality. Though slightly below in fare, it remains celebrated for its consistently strong offerings across cabin classes.

4. Emirates

Combining lavish first-class suites, top-notch inflight food, the famed ICE entertainment system, and an expansive global network, Emirates ranked fourth, further bolstered by awards for Best In‑flight Entertainment.

5. ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Rounding out the top five, ANA impressed with its trademark precision, spotless cabins, and a reputation for punctuality—earning Skytrax’s highest service star ratings

6. Japan Airlines

Renowned for legendary hospitality and strong premium offerings.

7. Air New Zealand

Celebrated for comfort innovations like SkyCouch and sustainability efforts.

8. Qantas

Australia’s flagship also ranked high, noted for new business suites and ambitious long-haul projects

9. Turkish Airlines

With unrivaled route coverage and improving service standards, it snagged the ninth spot.

10. EVA Air

Taiwan’s pride, a 5‑Star Skytrax carrier, excels across safety, comfort, and premium economy.

Low-Cost Airlines:

AirAsia topped the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline. Singapore’s Scoot (with Qantas subsidiary Jetstar following) and India’s IndiGo (#3) made strong showings, as per Skytrax ratings. 

Business and lounge awards

Qatar continues to dominate business-class amenities. Singapore, ANA, Emirates, and Cathay also ranked among sky-high standards.

Culinary excellence

Emirates led in inflight dining, followed by Singapore, Qatar, Cathay, Japan Airlines, ANA, Etihad — emphasising the gastronomic aspect of passenger experience

Why it matters

The Skytrax survey reflects feedback from millions of passengers across 100+ nationalities, ranking 325 airlines from September 2024 to May 2025.

These rankings spotlight airlines excelling in safety, service, innovation, sustainability, and comfort. 

Asian and Middle Eastern carriers dominate the top tier, showcasing consistent investment in premium experience, cutting-edge amenities, and network reach.

Meanwhile, Air Canada leads North America, followed by Delta and Canada’s Porter

North American carriers lag behind; Delta ranks best among US airlines at only 22nd, well outside the top 10.

Contrasts

Skytrax’s 2025 awards reveal a world of contrast: on one hand, Middle Eastern and Asian airlines — Qatar, Singapore, Emirates, ANA, Cathay, and others — are rewriting the rules of exceptional travel through service, luxury, and innovation. 

On the other, Western carriers face growing pressure to elevate their game as the global benchmark continues to rise.