These Are the Best Airlines in the World, According to Skytrax

Qatar Airways is known for its excellent service and top-of-its-class business suite, and now those have helped propel the carrier to become the overall best airline in the world.

The designation, which was granted by airline rating organization Skytrax, puts Qatar on top of the world’s best carriers at the company’s 2024 World Airline Awards. The Doha-based airline also took top honors for having the best business class (its Qsuites are legendary), having the best business class lounge, and being the best airline in the Middle East.

This is Qatar’s eighth time winning Skytrax’s airline of the year award.

“This award is a testimony to our relentless commitment to providing unparalleled service and innovation,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest level of excellence.”

Last year’s winner, Singapore Airlines, came in at No. 2 on the list this time, but took the top spot for having the world’s best cabin staff, having the best first class suites, and being the best airline in Asia. Emirates, Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways, and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways rounded out the top 5 airlines in the world.

While no airline from the United States cracked Skytrax’s list of the top 20 carriers in the world, Delta Air Lines did come in as the best airline in North America as well as took the honor of having the best airline staff service for the region. 

Fellow United States carrier Allegiant Air was named the best low-cost airline in North America. This was a first for the carrier.

And Star Alliance, which counts carriers like United Airlines, Air Canada, and Lufthansa among its members, was named the best airline alliance.

In addition to awarding airline props, Skytrax also recognizes airports. This year, the organization named Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, as the best airport in the world, and called Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) the cleanest. 

This is the full list of the top 20 best airlines in the world, according to Skytrax: 

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Emirates
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Japan Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. EVA Air
9. Air France
10. Swiss International Air Lines
11. Korean Air
12. Hainan Airlines
13. British Airways
14. Fiji Airways
15. Iberia
16. Vistara
17. Virgin Atlantic
18. Lufthansa
19. Etihad Airways
20. Saudi Arabian Airlines