Singapore Airlines has been named the world’s best airline for 2026, reclaiming the title after a two-year period when Qatar Airways held the top spot. The 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards recognized Singapore Airlines for its exceptional service, with Qatar Airways placing second and Cathay Pacific finishing third.
The awards are based on extensive customer satisfaction surveys involving over 24.8 million travelers. Qantas made a significant leap, climbing to 12th position, reflecting ongoing recovery and improvement in its global standing. The Australian airline also secured awards for Best Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Airline Staff in the region.
In contrast, Virgin Australia dropped three spots to 37th, and Jetstar remained in the 88th position. Qatar Airways, despite losing the top spot, won several other accolades, including the inaugural award for Best Onboard Wi-Fi, underscoring its focus on passenger connectivity. Other top carriers included Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue, which rounded out the top five in the Wi-Fi category.
Malaysia Airlines received recognition for its cabin crew, ranked among the top three globally, and was awarded the Best Airline Staff in Asia. The annual rankings highlight the dominance of Asian and Middle Eastern carriers within the top 20, with Qantas being the only Australian airline to qualify.
