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.

We do not sell flights or process bookings. All reservations are handled securely on third-party platforms. Outbound links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Showing 20 airlines

#1 Qatar Airways

Qatar • IATA: QR

Luxury Carrier5-starOneworld

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Doha, Qatar

Main Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Fleet Information

Size: ~250 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A350, A380

Awards & Recognition
World's Best Airline 2025Best Business Class 2025Best Business Class Lounge 2025Best Airline in Middle East 2025
Videos
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#2 Singapore Airlines

Singapore • IATA: SQ

Full-Service Carrier5-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Singapore

Main Hub: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Fleet Information

Size: ~220 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A350, A380

Awards & Recognition
Best Cabin Crew 2025Best First Class 2025Best Airline in Asia 2025
Videos
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#3 Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong • IATA: CX

Full-Service Carrier5-starOneworld

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Hong Kong

Main Hub: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Fleet Information

Size: ~200 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A350, A330

Awards & Recognition
5-Star Airline RatingBest Airline Staff in AsiaBest Economy Class
Videos
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#4 Emirates

United Arab Emirates • IATA: EK

Luxury Carrier4-starUnaffiliated

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Dubai, UAE

Main Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Fleet Information

Size: ~260 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A380

Awards & Recognition
Best In-Flight Entertainment 2025Best Airline in the Middle East
Videos
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#5 ANA All Nippon Airways

Japan • IATA: NH

Full-Service Carrier5-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Main Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) & Haneda (HND)

Fleet Information

Size: ~230 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, A320

Awards & Recognition
World's Best Airport Services 2025Best Airline Staff in Asia 20255-Star Airline Rating
Videos
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#6 Turkish Airlines

Turkey • IATA: TK

Full-Service Carrier4-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey

Main Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)

Fleet Information

Size: ~380 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 737, 777, A350

Awards & Recognition
Best Airline in Europe 2025Best Business Class Catering 2025
Videos
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#7 Japan Airlines

Japan • IATA: JL

Full-Service Carrier5-starOneworld

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Main Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) & Haneda (HND)

Fleet Information

Size: ~230 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, A350

Awards & Recognition
World's Best Premium Economy Class 2025Best Airline Staff Service in Asia
Videos
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#8 EVA Air

Taiwan • IATA: BR

Full-Service Carrier5-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Taoyuan City, Taiwan

Main Hub: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Fleet Information

Size: ~80 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777

Awards & Recognition
5-Star Airline RatingBest Airline Cleaniness
Videos
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#9 Qantas Airways

Australia • IATA: QF

Full-Service Carrier4-starOneworld

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Sydney, Australia

Main Hub: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)

Fleet Information

Size: ~130 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, A380, A330

Awards & Recognition
Best Airline Australia/Pacific 2025Best Airline Lounges
Videos
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#10 Hainan Airlines

China • IATA: HU

Full-Service Carrier5-starUnaffiliated

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Haikou, China

Main Hub: Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK)

Fleet Information

Size: ~250 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 737

Awards & Recognition
5-Star Airline RatingBest Airline in China
Videos
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#11 Air France

France • IATA: AF

Full-Service Carrier4-starSkyTeam

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Paris, France

Main Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Fleet Information

Size: ~220 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787, A350

Awards & Recognition
Best European AirlineBest Business Class Comfort
Videos
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#12 Etihad Airways

United Arab Emirates • IATA: EY

Luxury Carrier4-starUnaffiliated

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Main Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Fleet Information

Size: ~100 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, A380

Awards & Recognition
Best First ClassBest Business Class Seat
Videos
Watch reviews on YouTube

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Official links

#13 Korean Air

South Korea • IATA: KE

Full-Service Carrier5-starSkyTeam

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea

Main Hub: Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Fleet Information

Size: ~160 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787, A380

Awards & Recognition
Best Trans-Pacific AirlineBest Airline Catering
Videos
Watch reviews on YouTube

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Official links

#14 Swiss International Air Lines

Switzerland • IATA: LX

Full-Service Carrier4-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland

Main Hub: Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Fleet Information

Size: ~90 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, A330, A320

Awards & Recognition
Best Airline in Western EuropeExcellence in Service
Videos
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#15 British Airways

United Kingdom • IATA: BA

Full-Service Carrier4-starOneworld

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Main Hub: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Fleet Information

Size: ~280 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787, A350

Awards & Recognition
Best Trans-Atlantic AirlineBest Business Class Lounge
Videos
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#16 Lufthansa

Germany • IATA: LH

Full-Service Carrier4-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany

Main Hub: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Fleet Information

Size: ~280 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 747, A350, A320

Awards & Recognition
Best Airline in Central EuropeBest Business Class Airline Seat
Videos
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#17 Air New Zealand

New Zealand • IATA: NZ

Full-Service Carrier4-starStar Alliance

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand

Main Hub: Auckland Airport (AKL)

Fleet Information

Size: ~100 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 787, 777

Awards & Recognition
Best Premium Economy ClassBest Business Class Lounge Australia/Pacific4-Star Airline Rating
Videos
Watch reviews on YouTube

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#18 Finnair

Finland • IATA: AY

Full-Service Carrier4-starOneworld

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland

Main Hub: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Fleet Information

Size: ~80 aircraft

Main Aircraft: A350, A330

Awards & Recognition
Best Airline in Northern EuropeMost Punctual Airline
Videos
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#19 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Netherlands • IATA: KL

Full-Service Carrier4-starSkyTeam

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Main Hub: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Fleet Information

Size: ~110 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 777, 787

Awards & Recognition
Best Western European Airline StaffEnvironmental Leadership
Videos
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#20 Delta Air Lines

United States • IATA: DL

Full-Service Carrier3-starSkyTeam

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.

Base Information

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Main Hub: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Fleet Information

Size: ~900 aircraft

Main Aircraft: Boeing 737, 757, A320

Awards & Recognition
Best Airline in North America 2025Best Airline App
Videos
Watch reviews on YouTube

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Official links