On 17 June 2025, Qatar Airways was named, for the second year in a row, the World’s Best Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2025. The Doha-based airline has now won the top spot nine times in the 26-year history of the awards, often called the “Oscars of aviation.” The event took place at the historic Le Bourget Airport’s Art Deco terminal, drawing around 500 attendees, including airline presidents, CEOs, and crew members.
“This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision, and purpose that defines who we are as an airline,” said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO.
World’s Best Airline – for a record 9 times, always soaring higher for you ✈️
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) June 17, 2025
Here at the 2025 Skytrax Awards #ParisAirshow. #QatarAirways #Skytrax2025 pic.twitter.com/lyfvhASXVd
In addition to securing the overall top ranking, Qatar Airways also placed in the top three for Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Business Class, and Best Economy Class, according to Skytrax. Al-Meer also highlighted that the company has “been named the Best Airlines in the Middle East and was recognized for offering the Best Business Class Lounge experience globally.”
“We congratulate Qatar Airways on these successes which should be a source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff,” said Edwards Plaisted from Skytrax.
Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner, secured second place this year, also earning the honours for World’s Best Cabin Crew, World’s Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia. Rounding out the top five were Cathay Pacific in third place, Emirates in fourth, and ANA All Nippon Airways, raking in fifth. “We welcomed back many previous winners and were delighted to see new airlines represented,” said Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted.
The world’s best airlines in 2025:
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Korean Air
- Air France
- Japan Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Swiss Int’l Air Lines
- EVA Air
- British Airways
- Qantas Airways
- Lufthansa
- Virgin Atlantic
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- STARLUX Airlines
- Air Canada
- Iberia
While some airlines thrived, others struggled to meet the top expectations. Iberia, Air Canada, and STARLUX Airlines ranked lowest in the top 20, based on consistent passenger feedback. Moreover, Qantas Airways improved its standing in the 2025 Skytrax awards, climbing 10 spots from its 2024 low 24th place, securing 14th place. This improvement is based on votes from customers across more than 100 nationalities in the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey.
