Qatar Airways Named World's Best Airline 2026 for Record 9th Time

In the latest global ranking of airline ratings, Qatar Airways has been declared the world’s best airline in the full-service carriers category for the year 2026.

Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are in second and third place respectively; this ranking is based on onboard product and passenger experience.

The rankings released by an airline safety and product rating website divide airlines into three categories: full-service, hybrid and low-cost. These rankings are based not on public voting, but on measurable parameters inside the aircraft.

Qatar Airways led in all these aspects; it focused on excellent food, modern cabins and passenger satisfaction.

This year’s results are also consistent with previous years, in which Qatar Airways and other top Asian airlines have consistently secured top positions. Qatar Airways has received the title of ‘world’s best airline’ for a record ninth time.

World’s best full-service airlines for Airline Ratings 2026

1. Qatar Airways

2. Cathay Pacific

3. Singapore Airlines

4. Korean Air

5. Starlux Airlines

Winners in other categories of airline ratings

In the full-service category, airlines such as Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand are also among the top-ranked airlines.

In the low-cost segment, HK Express secured the top position, followed by airlines such as Jetstar and AirAsia Group. These carriers generally operate with low base fares and limited onboard facilities.

In the hybrid airline category (airlines that provide both low-cost and full-service experiences depending on the distance of travel), Lufthansa secured the first position in this category. It was followed by WestJet, Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines.

VietJet Air secured the top position as the ‘world’s best ultra low cost carrier’. The award for ‘world’s best regional airline’ was given to Porter Airlines.

The award for ‘world’s best low-cost long-haul airline’ was given to Jetstar Airways. The award for ‘world’s best branded cargo operations’ was given to Cathay Cargo.

About Airline Ratings

The online guide AirlineRatings.com releases a complete ranking of the world’s safest airlines, which evaluates airlines based on factors such as pilot training, aircraft age and protection from turbulence.

But safety is not the only thing that matters – therefore, the ‘World’s Best Airline Awards’ has been presented, the 2026 edition of which has just been released by this guide.

These airlines are selected by the team of this platform. This selection is based not on passenger opinion, but on measurable criteria related to in-flight facilities and passenger experience.