AirlineRatings.com has unveiled its highly anticipated World’s Best Airline Awards for 2025, ranking the top airlines across full-service, hybrid, and low-cost categories.
Unlike simple popularity polls, these awards focus on passenger comfort, consistency, and service quality across an airline’s entire network. This year, the rankings introduced a brand-new category: Hybrid Airlines, which recognizes carriers that blend elements of budget and full-service models.
The competition was fierce, with leading global airlines vying for the top spot. Factors such as seat comfort, onboard services, meal quality, fleet modernity, and overall customer experience played a crucial role in determining the winners. In the end, an airline that has long been recognized for its commitment to passenger satisfaction and innovation claimed the coveted Airline of the Year 2025 title.
Best Airline in 2025
Korean Air won the Airline of the Year 2025 for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in Economy Class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft. Unlike many competitors, the airline has resisted reducing seat space, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience. Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal. Beyond passenger experience, the airline’s financial stability, groundbreaking merger with Asiana Airlines, and significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft showcased its commitment to innovation and future readiness, solidifying its win as the best airline in 2025.
Top 25 Full Service Airlines for 2025
- Korean Air
- Qatar
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Fiji Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA
- Aero Mexico
- Air Caraibes
- Thai Airways
- STARLUX Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air France
- KLM (note the airline are trialing a Hybrid model on some routes)
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
Top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025
- Jetblue
- Westjet
- Virgin Australia
- Delta Airlines
- United
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
- LOT Polish Airlines (this is under change and may soon be full service)
- TAP Portugal
- Alaska Airlines
- SWISS
- Avianca
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Austrian Airlines
- Hawaiian
- ITA
- SAS
Top 20 Low Cost Airlines for 2025
- AirAsia
- Jetstar
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- Easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze
- Southwest
- SKY Airline
- FlyNas
- TUI
- Norwegian
- Indi GO
- Air Arabia
- Volaris
- Jet2
- Wizz
- Vueling
World’s Best Regional Airline: Virgin Australia Regional (VARA)
Runner-Up: Aegean Air
World’s Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier: Vietjet
World’s Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier Runner Up: Cebu Pacific
World’s Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia
World’s Best Airport: Singapore Changi
World’s Best Airline Branded Lounges: Qantas
How the Best Airlines of 2025 Were Chosen
AirlineRatings.com ranked the top 25 full-service airlines based on strict criteria, including meals, seat comfort, fleet modernity, financial stability, and a seven-star safety rating. Economy seats must have at least 31 inches of pitch, and business class must offer lie-flat beds. Additional perks like Wi-Fi, in-seat power, and premium economy were also considered.
For hybrid airlines, rankings were based on a minimum 30-inch seat pitch, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, and enhanced business class options. Airlines with in-flight entertainment and recliner seats scored higher.
The top low-cost airlines were selected for their affordable fares, quality onboard services, and extensive route networks. While extras like Wi-Fi and entertainment were optional, all ranked airlines met strict safety standards with a seven-star rating.
