Qatar Airways has been named the world's best full-service airline for 2026, according to AirlineRatings.com. The aviation safety and product website's annual ranking placed the carrier ahead of Korean Air, which held the top spot in 2025.
The ranking considered factors such as gate-to-gate Starlink wifi, economy catering, amenity kits, and spacious business-class seats. Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com, said: "It was a tight competition at the top, but Qatar's value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again."
Other top performers in the full-service category included Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and STARLUX Airlines. The list was compiled from traveller feedback and aviation experts.
In the hybrid airline category, Lufthansa took first place, with British Airways ranking ninth. For low-cost carriers, Hong Kong's HK Express won the World's Best Low Cost Carrier award for the first time, praised for its "consistently excellent" cabin crew and onboard menu. Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier, was named the World's Best Regional Airline for its focus on passenger comfort.
