Singapore Airlines Named World’s Best Airline in 2026 Skytrax Awards

Singapore Airlines has been named the World’s Best Airline in the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced at a ceremony in London on 18 September.

The Top 10

Qatar Airways moved up to second place and Cathay Pacific took third. The full top 10 was:

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. Cathay Pacific
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Turkish Airlines
6. Emirates
7. Air France
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Japan Airlines
10. Korean Air

The awards are based on passenger surveys. Skytrax said the 2026 results drew on more than 24.8 million responses collected between September 2025 and August 2026. The programme has run annually since 1999.

The Rest of the Top 20

Places 11 to 20 went to EVA Air, Qantas Airways, STARLUX Airlines, Lufthansa, Saudia Airlines, Iberia, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss International Air Lines and Thai Airways. Thai Airways climbed nine places to reach 20th, according to Thai coverage, while Bangkok Airways moved from 32nd to 29th.

Only six European airlines made the top 20: Turkish Airlines (5th), Air France (7th), Lufthansa (14th), Iberia (16th), Virgin Atlantic (18th) and Swiss (19th). The list is dominated by Asian and Gulf carriers, which hold most of the top-10 positions.

European and Category Winners

Several category prizes went to European airlines. Air France won awards for best first class, first-class dining and first-class amenities, and was named best airline in Western Europe. Turkish Airlines won Europe’s best airline and best business-class catering, and was named best airline in Southern Europe. Vueling took best low-cost airline in Europe, Iberia won best airline staff service in Europe, and LOT Polish Airlines was named best airline in Central Europe.

What the Rankings Do and Do Not Measure

Skytrax rankings reflect customer satisfaction across product and service, and are widely used in airline marketing. They are not a measure of safety, punctuality or financial performance, and passenger surveys can reflect where an airline’s customers are based and how many respond. Even so, a high placement has marketing value for premium long-haul carriers.