While the high number of different ranking agencies evaluating airlines based on different standards make it impossible to definitively pin down one as the "world's best," the United Kingdom-based consultancy firm Skytrax holds great authority in the aviation world.
It has been publishing an annual ranking since 1989 and, over the last few years, a few airlines in Asia and the Middle East have dominated the top of the list year after year — in 2024, Qatar Airways pushed out Singapore Airlines (SINGF) for the number one spot, marking the eight time it held it since 2011.
Related: A Major Airline Wants You to Stopover in Abu Dhabi
Singapore Airlines, which also has a steady track record of topping the list some years and coming just behind in others, was ranked second-best right above Dubai-based Emirates. Each of those airlines is associated with a very high level of service across fare classes but especially an unprecedented level of luxury for their first and business customers.
These are the other airlines that took home top ranking spots in 2024
“This is a remarkable achievement for Qatar Airways to win this World’s Best Airline title for 2024, the eighth time they have triumphed,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said in a statement at an awards ceremony at London's Heathrow Airport while adding that this should be a "source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff."
More Travel:
- A new travel term is taking over the internet (and reaching airlines and hotels)
- The 10 best airline stocks to buy now
- Airlines see a new kind of traveler at the front of the plane
The top five was rounded out by Japan's ANA All Nippon Airways and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways (CPCAF) . Other airlines to land in the top ten include other Japanese carrier Japan Airlines (JPNRF) , Turkish Airlines and Air France (AFRAF) .
Most of these carriers have also landed in the top 10 in slightly different order in 2023 while the notable absence is of Korean Air. South Korea's flagship carrier was pushed out into 11th place by the only other European airline to make the highest numbers: Swiss International Air Lines. Last year, the subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group (DLAKF) took 12th place.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
Airline says it was able to 'emerge stronger and fitter from the pandemic'
Delta Air Lines (DAL) took the highest spot out of any U.S.-based airline — it scored 21st right behind Saudi Arabian Airlines. Fiji Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa and Iberia were some of the other airlines to land in the top 20.
In general, the rankings stay consistent with only a few small surprises year over year. Singapore Airlines, which repeatedly racks in top rewards won first place in categories including world's best first class cabin.
Its budget offshoot Scott was also named as the world's best low-cost airline for long-haul flights while Malaysia’s AirAsia topped the list as the world's best low-cost airline overall. Singapore Airlines was named best in first class while its constant competitor Qatar Airways scored best in business. Cathay Pacific is officially world's cleanest airline this year while Saudi Arabian Airlines was named most improved.
Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong congratulated the team that he said made "many sacrifices to ensure that SIA was ready for the recovery in air travel. That has allowed us to emerge stronger and fitter from the pandemic.”
Related: Veteran fund manager picks favorite stocks for 2024
