The best airlines of 2025 – according to Skytrax and Airlineratings

The rankings of "Airlineratings.com" (" World's Best Airline Awards ") and "Skytrax" (" World Airline Awards ") are among the most important awards in the aviation industry. Each year, both select the best airlines in the world. We show which airlines are at the top this year and score the most points for service, comfort, reliability, passenger experience and other criteria.

Korean Air has won the title of “Airline of The Year 2025”. South Korea’s national airline is based in the South Korean capital Seoul and has its base at Incheon Airport.

According to the jury, it was named “Airline of the Year” 2025 because it “makes a special effort to ensure the comfort of its passengers.”

This is especially true in economy class, where, according to the statement, many competitors have reduced the distance between seats. Korean Air, on the other hand, has maintained the industry-leading seat pitch of 33 to 34 inches to ensure a comfortable travel experience.

Airlineratings has named Korean Air the best airline of 2025.

Source: imago images/CHROMORANGE

The offer of slippers and generous food portions on long-haul flights were also praised. "In addition to passenger comfort, the airline's financial stability, groundbreaking merger with Asiana Airlines and significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft have demonstrated its commitment to innovation and sustainability and cemented its victory," it continues.

With this ranking, Korean Air displaced Qatar Airways from first place (2024, 2021, 2022). In 2023, Air New Zealand was named the best airline of the year.

So-called low-cost airlines are not included in this category.

1. Korean Air
2. Qatar
3. Air New Zealand
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Emirates
7. Japan Airlines
8. Qantas
9. Etihad
10. Turkish Airlines
11. EVA Air
12. Fiji Airways
13. Virgin Atlantic
14. ANA
15. Aero Mexico
16. Air Caraibes
17. Thai Airways
18. STARLUX Airlines
19. Vietnam Airlines
20. Sri Lankan Airlines
21. Air France
22. KLM
23. Air Calin
24. Air Mauritius
25. Garuda Indonesia

Lufthansa is not among the “Top 25 Full Service Airlines”. Instead, the German airline can at least assert itself in a completely new category.

For the first time this year, in addition to the awards for the best full-service and low-cost airlines, the “Best Hybrid Airlines” will also be honored. Lufthansa secured seventh place here. The top three in this category are Jetblue, Westjet and Virgin Australia.

According to the definition of Airlineratings, a hybrid airline is an airline that combines features of low-cost airlines and full-service airlines. It is a relatively new concept that only emerged in 2017 in order to remain competitive with the emergence of low-cost airlines on short and medium-haul routes.

These airlines typically offer a mix of so-called low-cost elements in economy and business class on short and medium-haul flights, while they offer a premium full-service experience in all cabin classes on medium and long-haul flights.

Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airlineratings, said: “These airlines deserve recognition for their outstanding hybrid performance and innovative offerings. We are proud to be the first aviation media to recognize this shift and introduce a dedicated category that celebrates hybrid airlines and their significant positive impact on the tourism industry.”

1. Jetblue
2. Westjet
3. Virgin Australia
4. Delta Airlines
5. United
6. American Airlines
7. Lufthansa
8. Air Canada
9. LOT Polish Airlines
10. TAP Portugal
11. Alaska Airlines
12. SWISS
13. Avianca
14. Iberia
15. British Airways
16. Finnair
17. Austrian Airlines
18. Hawaiian
19. ITA
20. SAS

The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards will be presented on June 17 in Paris. They are considered the “Oscars of the aviation industry”.

In the ranking of the best airlines in the world in 2024, Qatar Airways is at the top, followed by Singapore Airlines in second place and Emirates in third place.

Qatar Airways has regained first place at the World Airline Awards 2024.

Source: Qatar Airways

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Emirates
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. EVA Air
9. Air France
10. Swiss International Air Lines
11. Korean Air
12. Hainan Airlines
13. 1British Airways
14. Fiji Airways
15. Iberia
16. Vistara
17. Virgin Atlantic
18. Lufthansa
19. Etihad Airways
20. Saudi Arabian Airlines

Here you can find places 21 to 100 in the Skytrax ranking.

The reason for the differences in the rankings is the different approaches: Air travelers from all over the world vote for "Skytrax". The personal experiences of the passengers are decisive here; they rate the airlines according to 49 categories in the areas of airport, on-board and cabin service.

When ranking the best airlines by "Airlineratings", the company itself determines the top 25 based on strict criteria. For example, at "Airlineratings.com", safety is an important aspect. In order to be included, the airline must have a seven-star safety rating from the International Air Transport Association. Experts and editors then decide and rate the airlines according to various aspects.

In addition, airlines in the full-service airline category must offer a comprehensive full-service experience, including meals, snacks and drinks regardless of the length of the flight. The seat pitch in economy class must be at least 31 inches and business class must have lie-flat beds. In addition, a seven-star safety rating is required, along with a modern fleet, a consistent onboard product across the entire fleet and a strong financial position.

The relevance of the airlines could also have an influence: “Airlineratings.com” is based in Australia. The consulting company “Skytrax”, on the other hand, is based in London.

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travel reporter