Revealed: The world’s best airlines in 2026

The world’s best full-service, hybrid and low-cost airlines have been revealed – and Qatar Airways is back on top.

A new ranking by AirlineRatings.com, an aviation safety and product website, ranked the top 25 full-service airlines for 2026 as part of its annual “World’s Best Airlines” awards.

“Full service” airlines must include meals, an economy seat pitch of a minimum of 31 inches, lie-flat business class beds, a seven-star safety rating and a strong financial standing to meet the list criteria.

Qatar Airways reclaimed the first-place title from 2025 winner Korean Air for gate-to-gate Starlink wifi, “thoughtful touches” in economy catering and amenity kits and spacious business-class seats.

Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com, said: “It was a tight competition at the top, but Qatar’s value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again.”

The list was compiled from traveller feedback and aviation experts.

Also featured in the top 25 were Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Ai, and STARLUX Airlines, who all impressed with their passenger experience.

As for hybrid airlines – those with a mix of onboard service depending on the length of flight – Lufthansa was awarded first place, with British Airways in ninth.

Petersen said: “Lufthansa epitomises what we look for in the world’s best hybrid airline. It offers a low-cost model on short-haul routes across Europe with buy-on-board catering, a variable seat pitch of 29 to 30 inches, complimentary streaming of in-flight entertainment via its FlyNet Wi-Fi portal, alongside bottled water and the airline’s iconic branded chocolate.”

Budget Hong Kong airline, HK Express, won the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier award for the first time for “consistently excellent” cabin crew and its onboard menu. Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier, named the World’s Best Regional Airline for its strong focus on passenger comfort.

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