PARIS – June 2025 — In a landmark achievement, Qatar Airways has reclaimed the crown as the World’s Best Airlinefor the ninth time at the prestigious 2025 World Airline Awards, held at Le Bourget Airport during the Paris Air Show. Hosted inside the historic Hall of Eight Columns, the gala event brought together over 500 aviation executives, marking a pivotal moment for the global airline industry.
Competing against leading carriers like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, ANA, Air France, and Swiss International Air Lines, Qatar Airways emerged as the undisputed leader. With additional honors for World’s Best Business Class and Best Airline in the Middle East, the Doha-based airline showcased excellence across its passenger services, onboard innovation, and airport experiences.
Global Rankings Shift as Qatar Airways Soars Above Rivals
The 2025 edition of the awards—considered the “Oscars of Aviation”—revealed a reshuffled leaderboard. Although Singapore Airlines dropped to second place, it remained a force in luxury travel, securing awards for Best Cabin Crewand Best First Class.
Cathay Pacific impressed with a strong rebound, finishing third with praise for its inflight entertainment and revamped long-haul offerings. Meanwhile, Emirates and ANA All Nippon Airways completed the top five, recognized for comfort, reliability, and best-in-class airport services.
These results, based on evaluations of more than 325 global airlines, reflect evolving passenger preferences emphasizing service consistency, innovation, and adaptability in a post-pandemic world.
European and Asian Carriers Highlight Regional Excellence
The awards also spotlighted regional powerhouses. Turkish Airlines dominated Europe, winning Best Airline in Europeand Best Business Class Catering, driven by its gourmet inflight menus and expanding network.
In Africa, Ethiopian Airlines claimed Best Airline in Africa for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring its operational resilience and strategic leadership despite regional instability.
Asia saw disruption and innovation. STARLUX Airlines, a rising star from Taiwan, was named the World’s Most Improved Airline and received a 5-Star Rating for the first time. Its boutique-style services and premium economy offerings earned praise for challenging established giants.
Budget Airlines Continue to Impress and Evolve
The low-cost carrier sector made significant gains. AirAsia extended its reign as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airlinefor a record-breaking 16th year, while Scoot was named Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline.
In the Americas, Allegiant Air and JetSMART took top honors for North and South America, respectively, showing that affordable travel no longer means compromising on comfort, safety, or technology.
These accolades prove that value-driven carriers are not only surviving but thriving through tech-enabled services, expanded route networks, and passenger-friendly policies.
Airlines Compete on Family-Friendliness and Culinary Craftsmanship
The awards revealed growing demand for personalized and inclusive air travel. Lufthansa was recognized as the World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline, leading with kid-centric entertainment, upgraded family seating options, and seamless ground-to-air transitions.
Air France took home Best First Class Lounge Dining, while Turkish Airlines again dominated onboard catering, setting a new benchmark for culinary experiences at 35,000 feet.
These wins reflect a broader industry trend where comfort, personalization, and dining are no longer luxury extras—they are essential expectations.
Ground Services and Alliances Elevate the Passenger Journey
Beyond the aircraft, airport services and alliances played a key role in influencing traveler satisfaction.
ANA earned Best Airport Services, showcasing Japan’s emphasis on precision and hospitality. Air Canada‘s Signature Suite in Toronto secured the award for Best Business Class Lounge Dining, redefining pre-boarding luxury.
In the alliance category, Star Alliance remained dominant, winning World’s Best Airline Alliance and Best Alliance Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), underlining its global connectivity and shared customer value across member airlines.
Regional Comebacks: North America, Australia, and South Asia
Air Canada led North America, winning Best Airline in the Region, while Delta Air Lines was applauded for staff service excellence—highlighting how human touch remains vital in an increasingly automated travel ecosystem.
In Australia-Pacific, Qantas reclaimed the Best Airline in Australia, supported by its recovery-driven operational improvements. Virgin Australia earned accolades for staff service, reinforcing the importance of frontline engagementpost-COVID-19.
In India and South Asia, IndiGo emerged as a formidable force, winning Best Airline in the Region and Best Low-Cost Airline in South Asia—a testament to its growth strategy, efficient fleet, and affordability.
Qatar Airways: The Gold Standard of Modern Aviation
With this ninth victory, Qatar Airways reestablishes its position as the gold standard in global aviation. From its world-renowned Al Mourjan lounges to industry-leading Qsuite Business Class cabins, the airline continues to redefine luxury, efficiency, and innovation at every altitude.
Speaking after the ceremony, Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, said:
“This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the passion of our people. We are proud to represent the best of the skies for the ninth time.”
A New Era of Airline Competition
The 2025 World Airline Awards sent a powerful message: air travel is no longer just about reaching a destination—it’s about the experience along the way. From budget to premium, innovation is shaping how airlines deliver value, safety, comfort, and emotion.
As global travel continues its recovery, these winners provide a glimpse into the future of air mobility—more connected, more comfortable, and more customer-centric than ever before.
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