Singapore Airlines named world's best carrier at 2026 Skytrax awards

Singapore Airlines took first place in the World Airline Awards 2026, handed out at a ceremony in London on Friday. Skytrax, an air transport rating agency, runs the awards, which draw on a passenger satisfaction survey and an audit process, according to the organiser.

Qatar Airways, last edition's winner, was second. Cathay Pacific placed third, ANA All Nippon Airways fourth and Turkish Airlines fifth.

Organisers said more than 300 carriers were assessed for this year's ranking. Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines and Korean Air rounded out the top ten.

EVA Air, Qantas Airways, STARLUX Airlines, Lufthansa, Saudia, Iberia, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss International Air Lines and Thai Airways took positions eleven through twenty.

Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong credited the carrier's staff, saying the recognition reflected their professionalism and their work to maintain the airline's service and operational standards.