Qatar Airways has been named the World’s Best Airline for 2025 at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. The announcement was made on June 17 during a ceremony at the Paris Air Show, held at the historic Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget Airport. This accolade marks the second consecutive year that Qatar Airways has claimed the top spot, following Singapore Airlines’ victory in 2023.
The airline’s triumph at the Skytrax Awards is not unprecedented; it has now won the title nine times since the awards’ inception in 1999. In addition to being named the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways also secured awards for World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East.
Global Competitors and Regional Standouts
Singapore Airlines, which came second overall, was recognized for having the World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific, which secured the third position, was awarded for Best Inflight Entertainment and Best Economy Class. This recognition comes shortly after Cathay Pacific announced the resumption of its direct flight service from Hong Kong to Adelaide, set to begin on November 11, 2025.
As for Australian airlines, Qantas was named the Best Airline in Australia/Pacific and improved its global ranking, moving up to 14th from 24th last year. The airline recently unveiled its first Domestic Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport, a move that aligns with its recognition.
Acknowledgments and Future Prospects
In response to the award, Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed gratitude, stating, “To be recognised as the Best Airline Australia & Pacific reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering for our customers and is testament to the exceptional work of our people.” She further added, “I want to sincerely thank our incredible team of more than 29,000 people around the world, who bring such passion and pride to the work they do every single day. This award belongs to them.”
Virgin Australia also made its mark, winning Best Regional Airline and Best Airline Staff Service for the Australia/Pacific region. It ranked 34th globally, while Jetstar was placed at 88th.
Understanding the Skytrax Awards
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are considered the gold standard in the aviation industry, often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation world.” The awards are based on a comprehensive customer survey conducted from September 2024 to May 2025, encompassing feedback from passengers across more than 325 airlines worldwide. Importantly, Skytrax runs the survey independently, with no fees required for airlines to participate or use the award logos.
Skytrax World Airline Awards Top 20 for 2025: Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Air France, Japan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Swiss Int’l Air Lines, EVA Air, British Airways, Qantas Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Saudi Arabian Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, Air Canada, Iberia.
Implications and Industry Impact
The recognition of Qatar Airways and other leading airlines underscores the competitive nature of the aviation industry, where customer satisfaction and service quality are paramount. The awards not only enhance the reputation of the winning airlines but also set benchmarks for service excellence that others strive to meet.
Looking ahead, these accolades could influence consumer choices and loyalty, as well as impact the strategic decisions of airlines aiming to improve their service offerings. As the industry continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the global pandemic, maintaining high standards of service and innovation will be crucial for airlines seeking to capture market share and enhance their brand prestige.
The Skytrax Awards reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of the global aviation industry, highlighting the achievements of airlines that excel in delivering exceptional passenger experiences.
