Singapore Airlines has been voted by passengers as the best airline in the world in the 2026 Skytrax Awards.
Rounding out the top five are Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, ANA and Turkish Airlines.
Among other airlines flying to New Zealand, Emirates came in sixth (and had best in-flight entertainment) and Qantas was 12th over-all. QF also was voted best in the Australia-Pacific region and best airline staff service in this region.
Air New Zealand was second in the region, followed by Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways and Jetstar.
. . . More On SQ
Skytrax ceo Edward Plaisted says SQ’s win as the World’s Best Airline 2026, highlights its level of product and service excellence.
SQ also achieved the world’s best economy class title, and the world’s best economy catering awards. The carrier’s ceo Goh Choon Phong says the awards are ‘testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people, who continually strive to uphold SIA’s renowned standards for service and operational excellence’.
. . . 300 Airlines
QR, the nine-time-winner of the World’s Best Airline won four top awards including the best business class, best business lounge and best onboard wifi.
CX won the award for best cabin crew, and first-class lounge with the recently transformed The Wing Lounge. Eighth overall, Hainan Airlines won three awards, as the best airline in China (for a 15th consecutive year), best staff in China and best business class amenities.
Taiwan’s Starlux, scheduled to fly to Auckland from Mar, was voted the world’s cleanest airline. AirAsia was voted best low-cost carrier.
More than 300 airlines were included in the awards which favour bigger airlines with a big brand presence and many customers.
