Qatar Airways Soars to World’s Best Airline Title at 2025 World Airline Awards

Qatar Airways has been crowned the World’s Best Airline at the 2025 World Airline Awards, held today at the iconic Air and Space Museum during the Paris Air Show. The prestigious event, often dubbed “the Oscars of the aviation industry,” saw 500 global airline leaders, including CEOs and Presidents, gather to celebrate excellence in air travel. Qatar Airways’ ninth win underscores its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and passenger satisfaction.

A Night of Triumph for Qatar Airways

The gala, hosted by Skytrax at Le Bourget’s art deco Hall of Eight Columns, buzzed with pride as uniformed airline crews showcased their brands. Qatar Airways stood out, not only securing the top airline title but also winning Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class, and World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge for its Al Mourjan Garden Lounge.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, accepted the awards with gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a celebration of the passion, precision, and purpose that defines us. Retaining this title reflects the relentless efforts of our people, who set new standards in aviation. These awards validate our vision to redefine exceptional service and shape the future of air travel.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, praised Qatar Airways’ consistency, noting, “It’s a fabulous achievement for Qatar Airways to win this title for the ninth time. Their excellent results across categories, including Business Class and lounge experience, are a source of pride for the airline’s management and staff.”

Global Rankings and Notable Winners

The 2025 awards, based on a customer satisfaction survey conducted from September 2024 to May 2025, featured over 325 airlines and input from more than 100 nationalities. Singapore Airlines ranked second globally, earning World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class, while Cathay Pacific climbed to third, winning World’s Best Inflight Entertainment. Emirates and ANA All Nippon Airways rounded out the top five.

Other standout winners included:

- STARLUX Airlines, named World’s Most Improved Airline and newly rated 5-Star, with CEO Glenn Chai crediting the team’s “resilience and passion.”

- Air Transat, securing World’s Best Leisure Airline for the third consecutive year, with President Annick Guérard highlighting the team’s dedication.

- AirAsia, continuing its 16-year streak as World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, celebrated by CEO Tony Fernandes for serving nearly one billion passengers.

- Lufthansa, recognized as World’s Most Family Friendly Airline for its family-focused services.

Skytrax: A Trusted Benchmark

Since 1999, the World Airline Awards have remained independent, with Skytrax covering all survey and event costs. Airlines pay no entry fees, ensuring impartiality. The 2025 survey, available in seven languages, screened entries to eliminate duplicates, delivering reliable results that reflect genuine traveler experiences.

Plaisted emphasized the awards’ significance, saying, “Quality consistency is clearly recognized by customers when they vote for these airlines. The presence of former winners alongside new faces highlights the industry’s commitment to excellence.”

Looking Ahead

Qatar Airways’ ninth victory reinforces its leadership in aviation, with its 5-Star rating affirming a mission to set industry benchmarks. As Al-Meer noted, “These awards are a tribute to the trust of millions of travelers who choose us every year.” With competitors like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific pushing the boundaries, the race for 2026 promises even greater innovation.

For the full list of winners, visit worldairlineawards.com.