This is the best airline in the world in 2026

Hamad International Airport in Doha did not appear this year on the Skytrax ranking list, after being ranked second in 2025. The reason: Its management recently announced that they are foregoing participation in exhibitions, conferences, industry events, and international rankings, due to the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf.

The five best airports in the world are all in Asia, with Incheon International Airport in South Korea in second place, Haneda International Airport in Tokyo in third, Hong Kong International Airport in fourth, and Narita International Airport in Tokyo in fifth. Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris was ranked sixth, making it the best in Europe (fourth consecutive year).

Asia also dominates the airline rankings, with Cathay Pacific (second place), Singapore Airlines (third), Korean Air (fourth), and STLUX Airlines from Taiwan (fifth). The top and prestigious spot on the list goes to Qatar Airways, declared the best full-service airline in the world, after surpassing Korean Air, which won in 2025.

Turkish Airlines was ranked sixth best in the world and first among European airlines. About two months ago, a ranking crowned Turkish as the safest airline in the world this year, and now it earns another title in 2026.

A relatively new category in the rankings is “Best Hybrid Airlines in the World.” A hybrid airline combines, on one hand, the traditional full-service model and, on the other, the low-cost model. Euro News notes that such airlines usually offer paid meal menus, a wider selection of snacks, and alcoholic beverages on short to medium routes. In-flight entertainment, if available, is generally offered for free. This year, the airline that took first place in this category is German Lufthansa, which currently will not fly to Israel until April 7.