Key facts
- Singapore Airlines was named the world's best airline for 2026 by Skytrax.
- The award is based on a global passenger satisfaction survey conducted from September 2025 to August 2026.
- This is Singapore Airlines' sixth time winning the top spot since the awards began in 1999.
- Thai Airways ranked 20th overall and 10th for cabin crew.
- Swiss International Air Lines ranked 19th.
- Virgin Atlantic ranked 18th and was fifth for inflight entertainment and premium economy.
Singapore Airlines has once again been recognized as the world's best airline, according to the results of the 2026 World Airline Awards announced by Skytrax on Friday. This marks the sixth time the carrier has received this prestigious accolade since the awards' inception in 1999.
The rankings are derived from the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, which collected responses from customers of over 100 nationalities between September 2025 and August 2026. Passengers evaluated airlines on various criteria, including cleanliness, onboard WiFi, airport services, lounges, and offerings across different travel classes.
Among the top 20 airlines, Thai Airways secured the 20th position and also placed 10th in the World's Best Cabin Crew ranking. Swiss International Air Lines came in at 19th, while Virgin Atlantic was ranked 18th and recognized for its inflight entertainment and premium economy class. Air Canada was named the Best Airline in North America, and its Signature Suite lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport received the award for Best Business Class Lounge Dining.