European airlines have been largely pushed down the pecking order in this year’s World Airline Awards, with Asian and Middle Eastern carriers dominating the top 10.
Singapore Airlines took the overall title, followed by Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific, while Turkish Airlines was the highest-ranked European carrier in fifth place.
Just six European airlines made the top 20, with Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic and Swiss International Air Lines joining Turkish Airlines.
The 2026 World Airline Awards were announced at a gala ceremony in London hosted by air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Known as “the Oscars of the aviation industry”, the awards have been running since 1999 and, according to Skytrax’s CEO Edward Plaisted, “highlights the level of product and service excellence they are providing to customers”.
More than 300 airlines were assessed in the ranking and, although Europe’s operators didn’t blow the competition away in the main category, they did have a decent showing in others.
European airlines triumph in some categories – and fall down in others
Air France did particularly well, scooping awards for the world’s best first class, the world’s best first class lounge dining, and the world’s best first class comfort amenities, as well as being given the nod as the best airline in Western Europe.
Spanish-headquartered Vueling won the award for the best low-cost airline in Europe, a category which also saw the inclusion of Germany’s Eurowings, Spain’s Iberia Express and Volotea and Dutch Transavia.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines took a trio of awards, scooping gongs for the best airline in Europe, the world’s best business class catering and the best airline in Southern Europe.
“Being recognised as ‘Europe’s best airline’ for the 11th time and ranking first in two other categories is a great source of pride for us as the Turkish Airlines family,” Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board, said.
In other categories, Iberia won the award for the best airline staff service in Europe, while LOT Polish Airlines received the award as the best airline in Central Europe.
All European airlines were absent from the world’s best cabin crew category, which was topped by Cathay Pacific Airways, and only Greece’s Aegean Airlines made the top 10 of the world’s best regional airlines category, coming in fourth place.
Qatar Airways loses its top spot
In the overall ranking, Qatar Airways, a nine-time winner of the world’s best airline title, dropped to second spot behind Singapore Airlines.
Nevertheless, the Doha-based operator did manage to scoop four top awards, including the world’s best business class airline – the 13th time the airline has received this accolade – and the best airline in the Middle East.
It also received the first-ever award for the World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi. That category was introduced this year to recognise the importance of fast and free onboard connectivity for many modern travellers.
The world’s top 20 airlines in 2026
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
11. EVA Air
12. Qantas Airways
13. STARLUX Airlines
14. Lufthansa
15. Saudi Arabian Airlines
16. Iberia
17. Air Canada
18. Virgin Atlantic
19. Swiss International Air Lines
20. Thai Airways