The world's most
exceptional airlines
HighestRatedAirlines.com
Updated January 2026
From award-winning service to industry-leading safety records, these airlines consistently earn the highest passenger satisfaction ratings worldwide.
Each airline has been selected based on comprehensive passenger reviews, service quality, safety standards, and operational excellence across international aviation rating platforms.
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#1 Qatar Airways
Qatar • IATA: QR
Nine-time winner of World's Best Airline, Qatar Airways operates from its state-of-the-art hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Known for its award-winning QSuites business class, exceptional service, and expansive global network reaching over 170 destinations across six continents.
Headquarters: Doha, Qatar
Main Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Size: ~250 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A350, A380
#2 Singapore Airlines
Singapore • IATA: SQ
Consistently ranked among the world's best, Singapore Airlines is renowned for exceptional cabin crew, innovative suites in first class, and industry-leading service standards. Operating from award-winning Changi Airport, the airline connects passengers to a vast global network with its modern fleet.
Headquarters: Singapore
Main Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Size: ~220 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A350, A380
#3 Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong • IATA: CX
Hong Kong's premier airline, Cathay Pacific has been serving passengers since 1946. Known for its sophisticated service, comfortable cabins, and extensive route network across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. The airline operates from its hub at Hong Kong International Airport.
Headquarters: Hong Kong
Main Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Size: ~200 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A350, A330
#4 Emirates
United Arab Emirates • IATA: EK
Dubai-based Emirates is one of the world's largest international airlines, famous for its luxurious A380 fleet, industry-leading in-flight entertainment, and comprehensive global network. The airline connects over 150 destinations across six continents through its Dubai hub.
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Main Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Size: ~260 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A380
#5 ANA All Nippon Airways
Japan • IATA: NH
Japan's largest airline, ANA is celebrated for its impeccable Japanese hospitality (omotenashi), punctuality, and attention to detail. Operating a modern fleet from its Tokyo hubs, ANA provides extensive domestic coverage and international routes across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Main Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) & Haneda (HND)
Size: ~230 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, A320
#6 Turkish Airlines
Turkey • IATA: TK
Flying to more countries than any other airline, Turkish Airlines connects passengers to over 300 destinations worldwide through its Istanbul hub. Known for exceptional onboard catering, warm Turkish hospitality, and a rapidly expanding modern fleet.
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Main Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)
Size: ~380 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 737, 777, A350
#7 Japan Airlines
Japan • IATA: JL
Japan's flag carrier since 1951, JAL combines traditional Japanese hospitality with modern service excellence. The airline operates from Tokyo's airports with an extensive domestic network and international routes throughout Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Main Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) & Haneda (HND)
Size: ~230 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, A350
#8 EVA Air
Taiwan • IATA: BR
Taiwan's leading independent airline, EVA Air maintains a 5-star rating with its exceptional safety record, modern fleet, and distinctive Hello Kitty themed flights. The carrier operates from Taipei to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Headquarters: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Main Hub: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Size: ~80 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777
#9 Qantas Airways
Australia • IATA: QF
Australia's flagship carrier and one of the world's oldest airlines, Qantas is renowned for its safety record and long-haul expertise. Operating ultra-long-haul routes like Perth to London, the airline connects Australia to the world while maintaining exceptional service standards.
Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
Main Hub: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
Size: ~130 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, A380, A330
#10 Hainan Airlines
China • IATA: HU
China's only 5-star Skytrax rated airline, Hainan Airlines combines Chinese hospitality with international service standards. Based in Haikou, the carrier has expanded rapidly to serve destinations across China and internationally to Asia, Europe, and North America.
Headquarters: Haikou, China
Main Hub: Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK)
Size: ~250 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 737
#11 Air France
France • IATA: AF
France's national carrier embodies Parisian elegance in the skies, offering refined service and French gastronomy. As a founding member of SkyTeam, Air France operates a vast network from Paris Charles de Gaulle to destinations worldwide.
Headquarters: Paris, France
Main Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Size: ~220 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787, A350
#12 Etihad Airways
United Arab Emirates • IATA: EY
Abu Dhabi's premium airline is known for innovation, luxury, and its signature Residence offering on the A380. Etihad combines Arabian hospitality with cutting-edge service, connecting passengers to destinations across six continents.
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Main Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Size: ~100 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, A380
#13 Korean Air
South Korea • IATA: KE
South Korea's flagship carrier and founding member of SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air operates one of the world's largest fleets. Known for excellent service, modern aircraft, and extensive routes connecting Asia with the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Main Hub: Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Size: ~160 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787, A380
#14 Swiss International Air Lines
Switzerland • IATA: LX
Switzerland's flag carrier embodies Swiss precision and quality, offering punctual service and refined cabin experiences. Operating from Zurich, SWISS connects passengers to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
Main Hub: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Size: ~90 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A330, A320
#15 British Airways
United Kingdom • IATA: BA
The UK's flagship carrier operates one of the largest international flight networks in the world from its London Heathrow hub. British Airways combines British tradition with modern service, offering connections to nearly 200 destinations globally.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Main Hub: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Size: ~280 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787, A350
#16 Lufthansa
Germany • IATA: LH
Germany's largest airline and a founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa offers extensive European and intercontinental connections. Known for German efficiency, modern fleet, and strong safety record, operating from major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.
Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Main Hub: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Size: ~280 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 747, A350, A320
#17 Air New Zealand
New Zealand • IATA: NZ
New Zealand's flagship carrier is renowned for innovation and award-winning service, including the game-changing Economy Skycouch. Operating from Auckland, Air NZ connects the South Pacific to Asia, North America, and beyond with distinctive Kiwi hospitality and consistently high customer satisfaction.
Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
Main Hub: Auckland Airport (AKL)
Size: ~100 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777
#18 Finnair
Finland • IATA: AY
Nordic Europe's leading airline offers the shortest routes between Europe and Asia via its Helsinki hub. Finnair is known for its modern fleet, exceptional punctuality, and distinctive Nordic design philosophy combined with efficient service.
Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Main Hub: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Size: ~80 aircraft
Main Aircraft: A350, A330
#19 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Netherlands • IATA: KL
The world's oldest airline operating under its original name, KLM has been flying since 1919. From its Amsterdam hub, the airline offers reliable service, innovative sustainability initiatives, and extensive global connections as part of Air France-KLM Group.
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Main Hub: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Size: ~110 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787
#20 Delta Air Lines
United States • IATA: DL
America's most awarded airline operates the world's largest fleet, connecting passengers to over 300 destinations across six continents. Based in Atlanta, Delta is known for operational excellence, extensive domestic network, and premium customer service.
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Main Hub: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Size: ~900 aircraft
Main Aircraft: Boeing 737, 757, A320