Singapore Airlines named world’s best airline for 2026

Singapore Airlines (SIA) secured the top spot as the world's best airline for the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, marking its sixth consecutive victory. Qatar Airways secured second place, while Cathay Pacific Airways secured third. All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines rounded out the top five.

The airline also claimed several other accolades, including the titles of world's best economy class, world's best economy class onboard catering, and best airline in Asia. SIA's cabin crew also earned recognition, placing second globally.

SIA's CEO, Goh Choon Phong, expressed gratitude to customers for their trust and support, emphasizing the company's commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience. He credited the airline's success to the dedication and professionalism of its staff.

SIA's low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, claimed the title of best long-haul low-cost airline for the sixth consecutive year. CEO Leslie Thng attributed the recognition to Scoot's focus on providing comfortable, reliable, and seamless travel experiences. The company aims to continue innovating and enhancing the customer experience.

The awards were based on a survey of over 24.8 million travelers globally who rated more than 300 airlines between September 2025 and August 2026. SIA and Scoot carried a record 42.4 million passengers in the 2025 to 2026 financial year, marking a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year. However, the group reported a net loss of S$76 million in the first quarter of 2026 due to rising fuel costs and losses from Air India.