AirlineRatings.com has been releasing its World’s Best Airlines ranking annually since 2014, and assessed around 370 airlines for its 2026 list.
According to AirlineRatings.com, Doha-based Qatar Airways in first place and Hong Kong flagship carrier Cathay Pacific in second place.
National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) has placed third in the World’s Best Full-Service Airlines ranking for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, an airline safety and product rating website.
SIA has appeared on its list of the best full-service airlines every year since 2014 and topped the list once, in 2019.
The Perth-based chief executive of AirlineRatings.com, says all airlines are evaluated by airline experts and reviewers, as well as her global team.
“Our rankings are based on measurable factors such as seat pitch, availability of amenities like blankets and pillows, and menu choices. We work collaboratively with airline experts around the world to better assess things like customer service and in-flight service,” she adds.
Unlike the website’s annual rankings of the World’s Safest Airlines – published in January for 2026 – which focus on safety, the World’s Best Airlines rankings are judged based on passenger-facing criteria such as comfort, choice, product consistency and value across an airline’s route network.
These airlines typically offer buy-on-board meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages on short- to medium-haul routes, but retain a full-service economy product and enhanced business class – including lie-flat beds and suites – on longer flights.
The top three carriers on the 2026 list of the World’s Best Hybrid Airlines are Lufthansa, Canadian airline WestJet and Virgin Australia.
These results come ahead of another closely watched industry benchmark due later in 2026: the World Airline Awards by London-based international air transport rating organisation Skytrax, typically announced in June.
Top 10 full-service airlines for 2026
1. Qatar Airways
2. Cathay Pacific
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Korean Air
5. Starlux Airlines
6. Japan Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. Emirates
9. Air New Zealand
10. Etihad Airways
Top 10 low-cost carriers for 2026
1. HK Express
2. Jetstar
3. AirAsia
4. AirBaltic
5. Scoot
6. Flynas
7. Breeze Airways
8. EasyJet
9. Wizz Air
10. Vietjet
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