EVA Air, ANA, Cathay Pacific Set Global Cleanliness Standards in 2025 Skytrax Rankings
The aviation industry’s focus on post-pandemic hygiene has reshaped traveler expectations — and Asia’s top airlines are leading the way. According to the 2025 Skytrax rankings, EVA Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Cathay Pacific Airways now top the list of the world’s cleanest airlines, based on comprehensive passenger feedback collected between September 2024 and May 2025.
These annual rankings, widely recognized across the airline industry, are derived from global traveler surveys evaluating in-cabin cleanliness — from tray tables and lavatories to seat upholstery and carpeting. With over 325 airlines assessed, the 2025 results reaffirm a growing trend: Asian carriers are outpacing their Western counterparts in delivering a consistently hygienic travel experience.
EVA Air Takes the Lead
Taiwan’s EVA Air climbed from third place in 2024 to claim the top spot this year. The airline has long maintained a reputation for excellence in in-flight service, but its intensified focus on hygiene post-COVID-19 has further elevated its standing.
“We take great pride in delivering a spotless cabin environment,” an EVA Air representative stated. “Our deep-cleaning routines and mid-flight sanitation checks ensure our passengers feel safe and comfortable from takeoff to landing.”
The airline’s rise in the rankings also reflects a broader regional commitment to cabin cleanliness. Japan’s ANA followed closely in second place, praised for its immaculate aircraft interiors and methodical hygiene protocols. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific rounded out the top three, commended for consistent attention to cleanliness and passenger well-being.
Asian Airlines Dominate the Top 20
Remarkably, 13 of the top 20 cleanest airlines in 2025 are based in Asia. Skytrax’s list includes major players such as:
- Qatar Airways (Qatar)
- Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
- Hainan Airlines (China)
- STARLUX Airlines (Taiwan)
- Japan Airlines (Japan)
- Korean Air (South Korea)
- China Southern Airlines (China)
- Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia)
- Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong)
- Asiana Airlines (South Korea)
These carriers consistently receive praise for prioritizing cleanliness through frequent cabin sanitation, staff training, and adherence to high hygiene standards set by national aviation authorities.
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) have both encouraged airlines to maintain COVID-era cleaning standards, and passengers are responding positively.
European and Middle Eastern Standouts
While Asia dominates, a few non-Asian carriers secured top positions. Finnair (Finland) and Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland) represented Europe in the top 20, while Qantas Airways (Australia), Austrian Airlines, and Lufthansa (Germany) also maintained strong cleanliness reputations.
Meanwhile, Saudia (Saudi Arabia) continued to build on its post-pandemic service enhancements, earning a place on the list. Qatar Airways, a frequent top-five performer across various airline awards, continued to impress passengers with its sleek cabin interiors and frequent sanitization protocols.
U.S. Airlines Fall Behind
Conspicuously absent from the top 20 are any U.S.-based airlines. Though Delta Air Lines was recognized as the cleanest carrier in North America, it failed to make the global cut — highlighting a gap in global competitiveness when it comes to hygiene.
Aviation analyst Gary Leff explained, “In the U.S., airlines focus heavily on quick aircraft turnaround to maximize operational efficiency. That doesn’t always leave enough time for detailed cabin cleaning.”
Most American airlines have reverted to pre-pandemic cleaning standards, which emphasize routine tidying over intensive sanitation. While today’s cabins are cleaner than a decade ago, they often lack the spotless precision of Asia-Pacific rivals.
According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. carriers operate on tighter scheduling constraints than most Asian airlines, further contributing to the challenge of thorough cleaning between flights.
Cleanliness Becomes a Competitive Edge
As air travel rebounds globally, cleanliness has evolved from a secondary concern into a key differentiator for airline brands. With passengers now prioritizing hygiene alongside safety and service, the clean cabin trend is expected to grow stronger.
“Passenger perception of cleanliness directly influences brand loyalty,” noted a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). “Cleanliness must be embedded into airline operations as a core component of the travel experience.”
Skytrax’s CEO Edward Plaisted echoed this sentiment, stating that “passengers are placing more value than ever on cleanliness when choosing airlines.”
Full Skytrax Cleanliness Rankings 2025 – Top 20 Airlines:
- EVA Air (Taiwan)
- ANA All Nippon Airways (Japan)
- Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong)
- Qatar Airways (Qatar)
- Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
- Hainan Airlines (China)
- STARLUX Airlines (Taiwan)
- Japan Airlines (Japan)
- Korean Air (South Korea)
- China Southern Airlines (China)
- China Airlines (Taiwan)
- Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia)
- Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong)
- Asiana Airlines (South Korea)
- Finnair (Finland)
- Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland)
- Austrian Airlines (Austria)
- Qantas Airways (Australia)
- Lufthansa (Germany)
- Saudia (Saudi Arabia)
Looking Ahead
As airlines face increasing scrutiny over hygiene, adopting rigorous cleanliness standards will be essential to remain competitive. Asian airlines have proven that cleanliness is not just a reaction to the pandemic but a sustainable brand asset that drives passenger trust and repeat travel.
For travelers, the 2025 Skytrax rankings offer valuable insight into which airlines take cabin hygiene seriously. And for the global airline industry, it sends a clear message: in a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is not optional — it’s a brand imperative.
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