Turkish Airlines has won the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award, marking the fifth time the carrier has received the recognition for its in-flight dining experience.
The award was presented during the APEX Awards Ceremony held on 10 June in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event. The accolade, awarded by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), is based on verified and anonymous passenger feedback collected through travel planning applications, TripIt® by Concur®.
According to APEX, more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated during the 2026 awards period. Passengers rated their travel experiences using a five-star system across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi.
The latest recognition underscores Turkish Airlines’ longstanding emphasis on enhancing the onboard experience through its culinary offerings. The carrier has developed a reputation for incorporating elements of Turkish hospitality and cuisine into its service model, supported by initiatives such as its Flying Chef program and regularly updated menu concepts.
Commenting on the achievement, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Olmuştur said: “We are very glad to be recognized by APEX as the Best Food & Beverage airline in Europe for the fifth time. This award speaks to the passion and craftsmanship our teams pour into every meal we serve above the clouds, starting from menu design to the moment it reaches our guests. Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests for their continued confidence in us, and to every member of the Turkish Airlines family who brings this experience to life.”
APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader said the award reflected the airline’s broader approach to passenger experience.
“Turkish Airlines receiving the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award reflects far more than excellence on a tray. It celebrates an airline that has transformed inflight dining into a true expression of culture, hospitality, craftsmanship, and national pride,” Leader said.
“As an APEX World Class airline, Turkish Airlines continues to prove that airline scale and aviation soul can ascend together. From its acclaimed culinary program to the warmth of its service rituals, Turkish Airlines brings the richness of Türkiye to the world with every course, every presentation, and every deeply memorable guest interaction. Its food and beverage experience does not simply satisfy passengers, it tells a story of place, care, generosity, and aviation leadership.”
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines has grown into one of the world’s largest international carriers. A member of Star Alliance, the airline currently operates a fleet of 545 passenger and cargo aircraft, serving 358 destinations worldwide, including 305 international and 53 domestic routes across 133 countries.
The latest APEX recognition further strengthens Turkish Airlines’ position among Europe’s leading carriers, highlighting its ongoing investment in in-flight dining as a core element of the passenger experience.
