Emirates has once again soared above the competition, capturing the coveted ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ title at the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, solidifying its standing as a global icon of premium air travel and Dubai’s most prestigious aviation brand.
The award, voted by more than 20,000 Telegraph readers, reflects Emirates’ continued dominance in the global skies, applauded for its world-class service, global connectivity, innovation, and passenger-centric approach across all cabins. The glittering ceremony took place at London’s iconic Pompadour at Hotel Café Royal, where leading names from the international travel industry gathered to celebrate excellence.
Accepting the accolade on behalf of Emirates, Helen Breen, the airline’s UK Leisure Sales Manager, emphasized that the recognition is a milestone achievement in the airline’s journey of delivering luxury, comfort, and consistent reliability to millions of global travellers.
A Three-Time Champion with Unmatched Global Appeal
This marks Emirates’ third consecutive win at the Telegraph Travel Awards, following its victories in 2023 and now again in 2025. The Dubai-based airline has not only sustained its exceptional reputation but elevated its stature globally, becoming a symbol of excellence in long-haul travel.
Earlier in 2025, Emirates was also recognized as ‘The Most Recommended Global Brand’ by YouGov, making it the only airline to appear in the top 10 among world-leading consumer brands. In 2024, Emirates earned the prestigious ‘World’s Best Airline’ title, outperforming 90+ international carriers across key metrics including fleet age, in-flight cuisine, loyalty programme value, and punctuality.
New Routes and Expanding Horizons
In its ongoing mission to connect the world more seamlessly, Emirates has expanded its global footprint with five new destinations in 2025:
- Shenzhen, China
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Damascus, Syria
- Hangzhou, China (launching July 30)
These additions enhance air access to Asia and the Middle East, reinforcing Emirates’ role as a key facilitator of global tourism and trade.
Introducing the Next Generation of Flying
The airline has begun deploying its state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft, which are already flying to 10 destinations, including Edinburgh, Lyon, and Bologna, and are expected to reach 17 destinations by the end of 2025. These A350s offer enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and advanced cabin comfort—underscoring Emirates’ sustainability goals.
Luxury Beyond the Skies
Emirates’ customer journey now begins even before boarding. The airline recently launched nine new retail stores across Asia, Europe, and Africa, blending elegant design with digital engagement to offer an immersive, brand-consistent travel planning experience.
A standout 2025 highlight is the ongoing US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme, transforming 61 aircraft — including 31 Airbus A380s and 30 Boeing 777s — with refreshed interiors that offer new seats, personalized lighting, and cutting-edge inflight entertainment systems.
For Business Class passengers, Emirates unveiled 18 gourmet dishes created by award-winning chefs and paired with top-tier champagnes, elevating in-air dining to new heights.
A Skywards Programme that Truly Rewards
With over 30 million members, Emirates Skywards continues to be a leader in travel loyalty programmes. Recent upgrades include:
- Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights from just 5,000 Miles
- New airline partnerships with Garuda Indonesia and AEGEAN Airlines
- Expanded collaborations with Marriott Bonvoy and ALL – Accor Live Limitless, offering two-way point conversions for enhanced flexibility
These enhancements offer unmatched value for frequent flyers and casual travellers alike.
Powering the Dubai and UAE Economy
As Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s non-oil economy, tourism sector, and global positioning. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), aviation contributed over 13% of Dubai’s GDP in 2024, with Emirates as a central pillar. The airline’s continued growth ensures sustained benefits for destination trade, job creation, and hospitality development throughout the region.
Why Emirates Remains the Long-Haul Airline of Choice
From technological innovation and elevated inflight comfort to bold sustainability initiatives and luxurious airport lounges, Emirates continues to set the benchmark in global aviation. The airline’s signature ‘Fly Better’ philosophy drives each improvement, ensuring passengers across all classes—from Economy to First—experience comfort, care, and reliability.
Whether flying from London to Dubai, New York to Bangkok, or Melbourne to Rome, passengers consistently choose Emirates for its award-winning blend of style, efficiency, and service excellence.
Looking Ahead
As Emirates prepares for the future, the airline shows no signs of slowing down. With a robust pipeline of fleet expansions, elevated experiences, and growing global influence, it is clear why Emirates has earned the ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ of 2025 and continues to be the preferred choice for international travelers.
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