The World’s 20 Best Airlines in 2024

In a stunning shift at this year’s Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways has soared to the top, clinching the title of World’s Best Airline. This prestigious accolade dethrones last year’s champion, Singapore Airlines, highlighting a remarkable year for Qatar Airways.

The annual Skytrax World Airline Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the airline industry,” are based on votes from passengers hailing from over 100 countries, evaluating some 350 airlines. This year, Qatar Airways not only achieved the highest overall ranking but also secured awards for Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East. Complementing these achievements, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in Doha was named World’s Best Airport earlier this year, unseating Singapore’s Changi Airport and completing a double victory for Qatar.

Singapore Airlines, though no longer the top airline, retained a strong presence, coming in second and winning accolades for Best Cabin Staff, Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia.

Notably, no U.S. carriers appeared among the top 20 in the world’s best airlines ranking.

Since its inception in 1999, Skytrax has maintained a reputation for its independent and impartial rankings, based on millions of votes from global airline passengers. The awards continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence in the airline industry, guiding passengers in their travel choices and driving airlines to continually enhance their services.

For the 2024 World Airline Awards, an online customer survey was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024. The 2024 results for the world’s best airlines are as follows:

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. British Airways
14. Fiji Airways
15. Iberia
16. Vistara
17. Virgin Atlantic
18. Lufthansa
19. Etihad Airways
20. Saudi Arabian Airlines

Sven Franssen