The Best Airlines in the World 2025

Choosing the right airline can make all the difference in your travel experience. Here, we present an updated ranking of the best airlines in the world for 2025 based on a combination of service quality, safety, global connectivity, fleet innovation, punctuality, passenger comfort, sustainability efforts, and customer satisfaction. This analysis draws on the latest data to highlight what makes each of these airlines stand out.

Key Airline Ranking Criteria

• Service Quality: Cabin crew excellence and in-flight experience (courtesy, attentiveness, multilingual service, etc.).
• Safety Record & Certifications: Accident history (or lack thereof), safety incident management, and independent safety ratings (e.g. seven-star safety ratings).
• Global Network & Connectivity: Route network breadth (number of destinations and countries served) and alliance partnerships for seamless connections.
• Fleet Modernity & Innovation: Use of new-generation aircraft (fuel-efficient models like A350, B787), cabin innovations, and average fleet age.
• On-Time Performance: Punctuality and reliability of schedules, as measured by industry on-time statistics.
• Passenger Comfort: Seat comfort and design (legroom, pitch, privacy), in-flight entertainment quality, cabin cleanliness, and meal quality.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Efforts to reduce carbon footprint (fleet fuel efficiency, use of sustainable aviation fuel, carbon offset programs, recycling, etc.).
• Customer Satisfaction & Reviews: Passenger feedback from surveys and reviews, industry awards reflecting overall traveler satisfaction.

Top 10 Best Airlines for 2025

Qatar Airways is frequently acclaimed as the world’s best airline, and in 2024, it once again earned the “World’s Best Airline” title at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. This Doha-based carrier has now won that top honor eight times, a testament to its world-class service standards. Qatar Airways is renowned for its luxurious Business Class (Qsuite) and premium amenities- it also took home awards in 2024 for the World’s Best Business Class and Business Class Lounge.

Passengers consistently praise the attentive cabin crew and high-quality dining onboard. In terms of safety, Qatar Airways upholds an impeccable record (it tied for the third position as one of the world’s safest airlines in 2025, with identical top safety scores to its peers). The airline operates an extensive global network to 150+ destinations on all inhabited continents, facilitated by a young, state-of-the-art fleet of Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s.

Its commitment to innovation (from onboard Wi-Fi to new cabin products) and participation in industry sustainability initiatives (including an oneworld alliance net-zero carbon pledge) further solidify Qatar’s standing. Not surprisingly, customer satisfaction is among the highest in the industry — Qatar’s consistent awards and surveys reflect passengers’ love for its superior in-flight experience.

Qatar Airways is Qatar’s national airline. The airline was founded in 1993 by the government of Qatar and began operations in 1997 with a route between Doha and Dubai. Since then, the airline has grown rapidly and flies to over 160 destinations worldwide.

In the early years, Qatar Airways primarily focused on expanding its route network within the Middle East. However, in the 2000s, the airline began to expand its international reach, with destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

In 2007, Qatar Airways became a member of the OneWorld airline alliance, which gave the airline access to a global network of partner airlines and airports.

In 2013, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year by Skytrax, the leading airline and airport review and ranking website, and it has been consistently ranked among the top airlines in the world.

In 2017, Qatar Airways’ CEO announced the airline would launch flights to Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo, which would make Qatar Airways the first Gulf carrier to fly to South America.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline was forced to reduce its operations and temporarily suspend flights to certain destinations. However, Qatar Airways has since resumed some of its flights and continues to adapt to the changing travel landscape.

Overall, Qatar Airways has established a reputation as a high-quality airline that provides excellent service and a wide range of destinations to travelers.

Singapore Airlines (SIA), the flag carrier of Singapore, has a legendary reputation for hospitality and comfort. It was ranked No.2 in the world in 2024 by Skytrax (having been No.1 the year prior) and is a longstanding Skytrax 5-Star airline. SIA is especially known for its exceptional cabin crew, symbolized by the iconic “Singapore Girl” flight attendant; in 2024, it won the award for World’s Best Cabin Staff and also World’s Best First Class for its ultra-luxurious Suites.

The airline continually innovates in passenger experience — it was a launch customer of the Airbus A380 (the first to fly it commercially) and has introduced amenities like double beds in First Class. Singapore Airlines operates a modern fleet (Airbus A350s, A380s, Boeing 787-10s, 777-300ERs) with an eye on fuel efficiency and comfort. Its global route network spans over 60 countries across six continents, all coordinated through the top-rated Singapore Changi Airport hub.

On the safety front, SIA has a near-flawless record with the highest safety ratings. Passengers also enjoy a high degree of comfort in all cabins- seats are ergonomically designed, in-flight entertainment is cutting-edge, and food quality is highly regarded. Though its fares tend to be premium, the customer satisfaction levels are correspondingly very high, with travelers often citing Singapore Airlines as worth the price for the reliability and top-tier service it provides. Multiple industry sources continue to list SIA at or near the top of the best airlines every year.

Singapore Airlines operates a global network of routes, serving more than 60 countries across six continents. Its primary hub is at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The airline has a strong presence in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Australia. It also operates long-haul flights to Europe, North America, and Africa.

Some key destinations include London, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Johannesburg. SIA also has codeshare agreements with various airlines, further expanding its network.

South Korea’s Korean Air has risen rapidly in global rankings, capped by being named Airline of the Year for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com. This honor was largely driven by Korean Air’s exceptional focus on passenger comfort — particularly in Economy Class. Uniquely, Korean Air maintains generous seat pitch (33- 34 inches in economy on long-haul wide bodies) when many competitors have tightened space, ensuring a more comfortable ride.

It’s also known for thoughtful touches like providing slippers and hearty meal portions in economy, which helped it stand out in AirlineRatings’ assessment. Beyond economy, Korean Air offers quality Premium Economy and Prestige (business) class products and is introducing new fleet types (it was one of the first with the Boeing 747-8 and operates 787-9s, with 777X on order) to boost its fleet modernity.

The airline’s global network is robust across Asia, North America, and Europe, and it is in the process of merging with Asiana Airlines, which will further expand routes and connectivity. In terms of safety, Korean Air has a 7/7 safety rating and was listed among the top ten safest carriers for 2025.

The airline’s investments in new, fuel-efficient aircraft also align with a growing emphasis on sustainability and operational efficiency. Thanks to these improvements, Korean Air’s customer satisfaction has been climbing — passengers appreciate the roomy seating and improved service. With its blend of traditional Korean hospitality (meals often include Korean options like bibimbap) and recent upgrades to cabins, Korean Air is now firmly entrenched among the world’s best airlines.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific has long been synonymous with premium service, and as global travel rebounds, Cathay has reasserted itself among the elite airlines (ranked 5th best in the world in 2024 by Skytrax). A Skytrax 5-Star carrier, Cathay Pacific is famed for its top-notch service quality and polished inflight experience. Even in economy class, the airline shines — in 2024, Cathay won the award for the World’s Best Economy Class, reflecting the comfort of its seats, entertainment, and meals for economy passengers.

In premium classes, Cathay offers lie-flat business suites and elegant first-class cabins, along with some of the best airline lounges in the world at its Hong Kong hub. Importantly, Cathay Pacific also leads in safety: it has one of the industry’s best safety records and was in a three-way tie for the third safest airline globally in 2025. In terms of fleet age, pilot training, and incident history, Cathay scored identical top marks to the other leading carriers.

The fleet is continually updated — Cathay operates modern Airbus A350-900/1000 and A321neo aircraft alongside Boeing 777s, and it emphasizes cleanliness (often ranking among the cleanest cabins). Its network connects Asia with Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond, though it is still rebuilding some frequencies post-pandemic. Cathay has also implemented sustainability initiatives, from investing in sustainable aviation fuel to a carbon offset program for customers.

Overall, passenger satisfaction remains very high: business travelers and tourists alike consistently praise Cathay Pacific’s blend of hospitality, product quality, and reliability, which together deliver a calm and premium “Cathay” experience in the sky.

Emirates, based in Dubai, UAE, is perhaps the most globally recognized luxury airline. It placed third worldwide in Skytrax’s 2024 rankings and has won countless awards for its onboard offerings. Emirates is especially famous for its unparalleled in-flight entertainment and cabin amenities. In fact, Emirates won the 2024 Skytrax award for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment (for the 18th year running) — its “ICE” entertainment system offers 5,000+ channels of movies, TV, music, and games, plus Wi-Fi connectivity.

The airline’s premium cabins are the pinnacle of luxury: First Class features private suites and even shower spas on the A380, and Business Class offers an onboard lounge bar on the A380 and lie-flat seats (the airline is rolling out a new Business Class cabin with doors on its 777 fleet). Economy passengers also enjoy Emirates’ high level of service, with generous meals and amenity kits on long-haul flights.

Emirates operates an all wide-body fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, and despite their large size, the fleet is relatively young and very well-maintained. This modern fleet contributes to strong safety performance — Emirates holds a seven-star safety rating and has never had a fatal passenger accident (it was also ranked among the top three safest airlines of 2025).

The global network of Emirates is one of the most extensive: via its mega-hub in Dubai, it serves over 140 destinations across six continents, effectively connecting virtually any two points on the globe with one stop. On-time performance is solid, given the scale of operations, and the airline’s operational reliability is high.

Emirates is also investing in sustainability, running demonstration flights with 100% sustainable aviation fuel and working to reduce emissions from its operations. Customers consistently give Emirates high marks for comfort — from the spacious Airbus A380 cabin to the high-quality catering (it often wins awards for its onboard cuisine and wine selection). Overall, customer satisfaction with Emirates is extremely high, as many travelers consider it a bucket-list experience to fly with this airline known for its luxury and innovation.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), one of Japan’s two major carriers, exemplifies Japanese standards of punctuality and service. Skytrax ranks ANA among the world’s best (No.4 globally in 2024), and ANA has consistently held Skytrax 5-Star status for its exceptional quality. Travelers frequently praise ANA for its on-time performance and efficiency — it is not uncommon for ANA to be among the most punctual airlines in the world in a given year.

The airline’s service is polite, meticulous, and detail-oriented. In 2024, ANA won the Skytrax award for World’s Best Airport Services (reflecting the smooth customer service and ground experience) and Best Airline Staff Service in Asia, underscoring its strengths in hospitality both in the air and on the ground.

The fleet of ANA is very modern; ANA was the launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and operates one of the largest 787 fleets, alongside 777s and the latest Airbus A320/321neo for regional routes. Cabins are known for their cleanliness and comfort — ANA even won prior awards for having the World’s Cleanest Aircraft Cabins. In Business Class, ANA introduced innovative seats like “The Room” (on some 777-300ERs), which are widely considered one of the best business class seats in the world.

Safety is another strong suit: ANA has a perfect 7-star safety rating and was listed in the top ten safest airlines for 2025. Its route network spans Asia, Europe, and North America (with Tokyo Haneda and Narita as hubs), and as a Star Alliance member, ANA offers a lot of connectivity. While its network isn’t as large as some Middle Eastern carriers, ANA provides comprehensive coverage of key business and leisure destinations and does so with remarkable reliability.

The airline is also working on sustainability, for example, using sustainable aviation fuel on select flights and targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. Passengers have high satisfaction with ANA, often noting the calm and comfortable travel experience, from the carefully presented Japanese meals and decent legroom in economy to the top-notch lounges and services for premium flyers. ANA represents a harmonious blend of technology and hospitality, making it a standout choice for international travelers who value efficiency and courtesy.

Japan Airlines (JAL), the other major Japanese carrier (and flag carrier of Japan), is similarly esteemed for its service and reliability. JAL was ranked the 6th best airline worldwide in 2024 by Skytrax and is also a Skytrax 5-Star airline. Customers often mention JAL’s exceptional in-flight hospitality — cabin crew are courteous to a fault, and the airline pays great attention to detail (for instance, providing menus and announcements in multiple languages, thoughtful amenities, and even baby meal pre-ordering and kid-friendly services).

JAL offers a very comfortable ride across classes. Notably, it won the Skytrax award for World’s Best Premium Economy Class in 2024, which speaks to the superior comfort of its Premium Economy seating and service. In economy class, JAL is known for slightly roomier seats than many competitors (its “Sky Wider” economy seat on many 787s has only 8 seats across a row, versus 9 on most other airlines, giving extra width). Its Business Class and First Class are also top-tier, featuring lie-flat seats and a high-end dining experience with both Western and Japanese menu options.

The safety record of JAL is excellent — the airline has had no fatal accidents for over 35 years and adheres to rigorous safety standards (it maintains the highest 7-star safety rating). In operational performance, JAL is among the most punctual airlines globally year after year, a reflection of Japanese operational discipline.

The fleet includes modern Boeing 787-9/8s, 777-300ERs (being replaced by new Airbus A350-1000s for long haul), and fuel-efficient domestic aircraft — JAL is introducing the A350-1000 to modernize its international fleet, which will further improve efficiency and passenger comfort. JAL’s route network covers Asia extensively and offers long-haul routes to North America, Europe, and Oceania, with Tokyo and Osaka as key hubs. It’s a member of the oneworld alliance, which helps offer connections worldwide.

In terms of sustainability, Japan Airlines has been an early mover — it was one of the first airlines to trial biofuels (operating a demo flight partially powered by sustainable biofuel back in 2009) and continues to invest in new technologies to reduce emissions. Customer satisfaction with JAL is very high, bolstered by the airline’s consistency — travelers know they can expect clean cabins, polite service, good food, and timely operations. Together with ANA, JAL ensures that Japan is well-represented in the ranks of the world’s best airlines.

Air New Zealand, the small flag carrier from a remote corner of the world, has made a big name for itself on the global stage. It was recognized as the world’s safest airline for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com, topping that list due to its extraordinary safety record and proactive safety culture. In fact, Air New Zealand and Qantas have vied closely for the safest airline title, with Air New Zealand having a slight edge, thanks in part to a younger fleet.

Photo by Masakatsu Ukon via Flicker

Beyond safety, Air New Zealand has frequently been honored for overall excellence — for instance, it has been named Airline of the Year multiple times in past years by AirlineRatings. In the 2025 AirlineRatings rankings, Air New Zealand was listed as the #3 best full-service airline globally, reflecting its strong across-the-board performance.

What really sets Air New Zealand apart is innovation and passenger-friendly initiatives. This airline pioneered the famous “Economy Skycouch,” which allows a set of three economy seats to convert into a flat couch after takeoff — great for couples or families on long flights. It continues to innovate, as Air NZ has announced plans for bunk-bed style sleeping pods (“Skynest”) for economy class on its future ultra-long-haul flights, showing a creative approach to passenger comfort.

The fleet of Air New Zealand is very modern, composed of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 777-300ERs for long haul (the 777s are to be replaced by new 787-10s in coming years), and Airbus A320/A321neo aircraft for short haul. This young fleet is not only fuel-efficient but also equipped with comfortable cabins and the latest entertainment systems. As a result, Air New Zealand offers a pleasant onboard experience with roomy, modern seats and acclaimed Kiwi-inspired food and wine.

Air New Zealand’s Global Reach

• Flies to over 20 domestic and 30 international destinations across 18 countries, primarily around the Pacific Rim.
• Operates through three main hubs: Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
• Offers popular routes to Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and even North America.

Air New Zealand’s Safety

• Consistently ranked as one of the safest airlines globally, holding the top spot in AirlineRatings.com’s 2025 ranking.
• Strong focus on training, maintenance, and operational excellence.
• Innovative safety initiatives like the world’s first commercial trial of wearable fatigue detectors for pilots.

On the sustainability front, Air New Zealand was an early adopter of biofuels (conducting one of the world’s first jatropha biofuel test flights in 2008) and is actively involved in sustainability efforts, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Customer satisfaction is strong, with the carrier enjoying high loyalty, especially from Australasian travelers. Passengers often mention the warm, friendly service from Air New Zealand’s crew, who embody the welcoming Kiwi spirit. Overall, Air New Zealand ranks among the world’s best thanks to its safety, innovative mindset, and consistently great passenger experience, despite being smaller than many competitors.

Qantas Airways — one of the oldest continuously operating airlines in the world (founded in 1920) — is a fixture in any discussion of top airlines, particularly due to its extraordinary safety record. Qantas is frequently cited as the safest airline in the world historically; it has a fatality-free record in the jet era (no fatal accidents since 1951). In AirlineRatings’ Top 25 Safest Airlines 2025, Qantas was ranked #2, barely behind Air New Zealand- a difference largely attributed to Qantas’ slightly older fleet, as both airlines “uphold the highest safety standards”. This safety reputation has been part of popular culture (famously mentioned in the film Rain Man) and remains a huge draw for safety-conscious flyers.

But safety is not Qantas’ only strength. As Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas offers a high-quality, full-service experience on its international flights. Its Business Class is excellent, featuring lie-flat suites with direct aisle access (the latest Business Suite on A330s and 787s has received very positive reviews for comfort and privacy). Qantas also has a well-regarded Premium Economy and was one of the first airlines to introduce Premium Economy back in 2008. In First Class (available on its A380 fleet), Qantas provides an elegant product with spacious suites and top-notch dining, and Australian wine.

Service quality is a point of pride — Qantas crews are known for a friendly yet professional style that reflects Australian hospitality. The airline’s global network covers North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific via its hubs in Sydney and Melbourne (and others for domestic). While not as massive as Middle Eastern carriers, Qantas focuses on key long-haul routes; for instance, it operates one of the longest flights in the world (Perth to London nonstop) and is planning even longer “Project Sunrise” flights in the coming years (direct from Australia’s east coast to London and New York).

For connecting beyond its own network, Qantas leverages its oneworld alliance membership and partnership with Emirates to provide passengers access to numerous destinations. Fleet modernization is ongoing: Qantas has introduced Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in recent years to replace older 747s (now retired) and has Airbus A350-1000s on order for Project Sunrise flights. Its A380s have been refurbished with new interiors as well.

On sustainability, Qantas is a leader- it has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and has been involved in biofuel trials (including a 2018 flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne powered partly by biofuel). Customer satisfaction with Qantas is generally high, especially for international services where the product shines; Qantas consistently wins awards in categories like best lounges (its flagship Sydney and Melbourne lounges are often rated among the world’s best). It did face some customer criticism in 2022–2023 due to schedule disruptions when ramping up operations post-Covid, but the airline has been working to restore its renowned reliability. Overall, Qantas remains an iconic airline, blending a rich heritage with a premium experience, and it continues to rank among the world’s top carriers in 2025.

Turkish Airlines rounds out our top 10 as a carrier that has combined a vast network with improving service to become a world leader. In 2024, Turkish Airlines was once again crowned “Best Airline in Europe” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards — the ninth time it has earned this honor. This reflects the airline’s consistent commitment to quality in a very competitive market.

Turkish Airlines operates one of the most extensive route networks in the world, flying to more countries than any other airline: over 120 countries across five continents. From its mega-hub in Istanbul (now served by the new Istanbul Airport), Turkish Airlines connects Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas with an incredibly dense network, making it easy for travelers to reach destinations that might require multiple connections on other carriers.

Alongside this connectivity, Turkish Airlines has made significant strides in service and comfort. It has built a reputation for excellent onboard catering — essentially elevating meal service to an experience. In fact, Turkish Airlines won the 2024 award for World’s Best Business Class Catering thanks to its Flying Chefs program that delivers restaurant-quality cuisine in the sky. Its Business Class is being further enhanced with the introduction of a brand-new Business Class suite (unveiled in 2024) that features closing privacy doors, direct aisle access for every seat, and a high level of comfort for long-haul flights.

Turkish ‘s’ Economy Class is also well-regarded as it offers decent legroom and seat recline, and all passengers get free meals and drinks on even short intra-Europe hops, which sets it apart from many European rivals. On the safety front, Turkish Airlines has a strong record in recent years and is rated as one of the top 10 safest airlines for 2025, reflecting significant improvements and stringent safety oversight.

The fleet is large and modern, including Boeing 777-300ERs, 787-9s, Airbus A350-900s for long-haul, and new-generation Boeing 737-8 MAX and Airbus A321neo for short-haul, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce the average fleet age. Turkish Airlines is also notable for its sustainability efforts: it was recognized as the “Most Sustainable Flag Carrier Airline” by World Finance for three years running.

As for customer satisfaction, Turkish’s focus on hospitality — providing touches like Turkish delight candy and cheerful service on board — has paid off. Many travelers who might not have considered Istanbul as a layover are pleasantly surprised by the airline’s offering, and its popularity has grown accordingly. With its combination of extensive connectivity, improved premium products, and culturally rich hospitality, Turkish Airlines has firmly secured its place among the world’s best airlines in 2025.

Comparison of Top 10 Airlines Across Key Criteria

The table below summarizes how each of these top 10 full-service airlines fare on various performance criteria, highlighting their strengths:

Ranking	Airline	Service Quality	Safety	Network	Fleet	On-Time	Comfort	Sustainability	Customer Satisfaction
1	Qatar Airways	Exceptional (Skytrax 5-Star; multi-award winning service)	7-Star — impeccable record (top 3 safest in 2025)	Extensive (150+ destinations worldwide)	Modern (A350, B787-heavy fleet)	Good (reliable schedules)	Luxurious cabins (Qsuite biz, excellent dining)	Active (fuel-efficient fleet, pursuing SAF use)	Very high (Skytrax #1 in 2024, outstanding reviews)
2	Singapore Airlines	Exceptional (Skytrax 5-Star; renowned cabin crew)	7-Star — spotless record (always top-rated for safety)	Extensive (100+ destinations, 60+ countries)	Modern (A350, A380, B787 fleet)	High (very punctual operations)	Luxurious cabins (award-winning First & business suites)	Active (investing in sustainable fuels, modern fleet)	Very high (consistently top in passenger surveys)
3	Korean Air	Excellent (Skytrax 5-Star; improving greatly)	7-Star — very strong (top 10 safest)	Very strong (extensive Asia, N. America, Europe network)	Modern (new B787, B747-8; fleet upgrade ongoing)	Good (solid punctuality)	Very comfortable (industry-leading economy legroom)	Active (modernizing fleet, efficient operations)	High (AirlineRatings 2025 Airline of the Year, positive feedback)
4	Cathay Pacific	Exceptional (Skytrax 5-Star; famed hospitality)	7-Star — excellent (tied top 3 safest)	Very strong (global network via HK hub)	Modern (A350s, 777s; new aircraft on order)	Good (generally punctual)	Excellent comfort (Best Economy Class winner)	Active (carbon offset program, SAF investments)	High (loyal customer base, award-winning service)
5	Emirates	Excellent (Skytrax 4-Star; famed premium service)	7-Star — outstanding (tied top 3 safest)	Extensive (140+ destinations on 6 continents)	Modern (all-widebody A380 & B777 fleet)	Average (good for scale, some delays at hub)	Outstanding IFE (Best Inflight Entertainment winner); lavish First Class	Active (tested 100% SAF flight, fleet upgrading)	Very high (passenger favorite for luxury, high ratings)
6	ANA (All Nippon Airways)	Exceptional (Skytrax 5-Star; award-winning staff)	7-Star — excellent (top 10 safest)	Strong (Asia-focused network, global alliances)	Modern (large B787 fleet, new A320/321neo)	Very High (among world’s most punctual)	Excellent comfort (clean cabins, high-quality seating)	Active (SAF usage on some flights, eco programs)	Very high (known for reliability and service quality)
7	Japan Airlines	Exceptional (Skytrax 5-Star; legendary service)	7-Star — excellent (no major accidents in decades)	Strong (Asia routes and long-hauls to US/EU)	Modern (B787, new A350s replacing older jets)	Very High (extremely punctual operations)	Excellent comfort (Best Premium Economy winner)	Active (early biofuel adopter, efficiency focus)	Very high (superb reputation for hospitality)
8	Air New Zealand	Excellent (Skytrax 4-Star; friendly Kiwi service)	7-Star — safest in world 2025	Moderate (primarily Pacific Rim network)	Modern (B787, updated B777; young fleet)	High (generally very timely)	Innovative comfort (Skycouch economy beds, quality seats)	Active (pioneered biofuel use, net-zero by 2050)	High (passengers love the innovation and warmth)
9	Qantas Airways	Excellent (Skytrax 4-Star; welcoming service)	7-Star — near-perfect (fatality-free jet era)	Strong (global reach with focus on Aus–US/Europe/Asia)	Mixed modern (B787s, refurbished A380s; new A350s on order)	Moderate (improving after some disruption)	Excellent comfort (new Business Suites, good Premium Econ)	Strong (cutting-edge Project Sunrise, carbon goals)	High (loyal following, known quality, award-winning lounges)
10	Turkish Airlines	Very Good (Skytrax 4-Star; rising service levels)	7-Star — very strong (top 10 safest)	Extensive (world’s most countries served)	Modern (A350, B787, new narrow-bodies)	Moderate (large hub can face delays)	Very good comfort (new Business suites, great catering)	Award-winning (Most Sustainable Airline 3 years)	High (improving yearly; Skytrax Best in Europe)

Best Low-Cost International Carriers

While the above list focuses on full-service airlines, several low-cost carriers (LCCs) have also earned commendations for their performance on the international stage. These airlines offer no-frills service but often excel in affordability, innovation, or customer satisfaction within their category:

• AirAsia — A pioneer in Asia’s budget aviation boom, AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline every year since 2010. With hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond, its network spans over 150 destinations. AirAsia is known for its ultra-low fares, youthful fleet of Airbus A320/A321neo jets, and a successful multi-hub model that makes it easy to island-hop around Southeast Asia. It offers options like premium flatbed seats on long-haul affiliate AirAsia X, and despite being low-cost, it maintains a solid on-time record and decent service efficiency, making it a favorite for millions of travelers in Asia and Australasia.
  
• Southwest Airlines — The USA’s largest low-cost carrier (and one of the world’s first budget airlines) is a standout for customer service. Southwest famously offers free checked bags and no change fees, setting it apart from many low-cost rivals. It consistently ranks #1 in customer satisfaction for economy class in North America, according to J.D. Power surveys. While Southwest’s operations are mainly domestic U.S., it does serve nearby international destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Travelers love Southwest for its friendly crews, open seating policy, and transparent pricing. Its fleet of all-Boeing 737s keeps operations simple and reliable — contributing to Southwest’s strong safety and punctuality reputation.
  
• Ryanair — Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair has become an iconic ultra-low-cost carrier. In 2024, it carried nearly 200 million passengers, making it the world’s largest international airline by passenger traffic. Ryanair’s business model is starkly no-frills — low base fares with add-on fees for everything from baggage to seat selection — but its efficiency is unrivaled. It operates over 2,500 flights a day across Europe, connecting big cities and secondary airports alike. Ryanair’s young fleet of Boeing 737-800s (and new 737 MAX 8-200 “Gamechanger” aircraft) enables low fuel burn per seat. The airline has improved its customer service over the years (“Always Getting Better” initiatives), leading to better on-time performance and somewhat higher customer approval than in its early days. For budget-conscious travelers in Europe, Ryanair’s vast network and rock-bottom fares are hard to beat.
  
• easyJet — Another European low-cost giant, easyJet is known for a customer-friendly approach among LCCs. It serves over 30 countries (with a strong presence in the UK and EU) and focuses on primary airports more than rivals do, which makes it convenient for travelers. easyJet offers a straightforward, comfortable experience with its modern Airbus A320-family fleet. It has no business class, but it does offer assigned seating, generous cabin baggage allowance, and options like Speedy Boarding for a fee. easyJet often receives praise for having a relatively high level of service for a low-cost carrier, and it has been recognized for punctuality and value. It also strives for sustainability, operating the newest Airbus neo jets and partnering in electric/hybrid aircraft research. For those seeking affordability without straying too far from a full-service feel in Europe, easyJet stands out.

Other notable mentions in the low-cost arena include Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ low-cost arm, awarded World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline in 2024), Jetstar (the Australian low-cost carrier operating internationally in Asia-Pacific under Qantas ownership), Indigo (India’s largest airline, with a vast domestic and regional network), and JetBlue (the U.S. carrier that blurs the lines between low-cost and full-service, now flying transatlantic routes with a fresh approach to cabin service). These carriers each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s ultra-long-haul budget flying, innovative service add-ons, or simply dominating their home markets with reliable low fares.

Last Year’s Top Airlines

2024 APEX AWARD WINNERS:

• Delta Air Lines — Innovation Award for Best Inflight Connectivity 
• FlightPath3D — Innovation Award for Best Inflight Entertainment

2024 APEX/IFSA AWARD WINNER: 

• ‎Delta Flight Products — Innovation Award for Best Cabin

2024 IFSA AWARD WINNERS: 

• SriLankan Airlines — Best Inflight Food or Beverage 
• ‎Emirates — Best Onboard Amenity 

Other Top Airlines in the World

• Cathay Pacific
• Virgin Atlantic
• United Airlines
• EVA Air
• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• Finnair
• KLM
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Virgin Australia
• Etihad Airways

In summary, the global airline industry in 2025 offers travelers more choices than ever — from the luxurious offerings of top full-service airlines to the competitive efficiency of low-cost carriers. The top 10 international airlines highlighted here distinguish themselves by excelling across the board in service, safety, and passenger experience, ensuring that no matter which you choose, you’ll be in some of the best hands (and wings) in the sky. Safe travels!