Travel enthusiasts, rejoice! Airline Ratings has unveiled its highly anticipated World’s Best Airlines Award for 2025, celebrating excellence in passenger comfort, service, and innovation.
This year’s awards introduce a groundbreaking new category: Best Hybrid Airlines, reflecting the evolving landscape of air travel. Let’s dive into the winners and discover what sets them apart.
Korean Air Crowned Airline of the Year 2025
Korean Air has been named Best Airline of the Year 2025, standing out for its exceptional commitment to passenger comfort, especially in Economy Class, where it maintains a generous seat pitch of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft.
Unlike many competitors that have reduced legroom, Korean Air prioritizes passenger comfort with spacious seating, complimentary slippers, and generous meal portions on long-haul flights.
Beyond passenger experience, the airline’s financial stability, ongoing merger with Asiana Airlines, and investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft contributed to its well-deserved win.
Top 25 Full-Service Airlines for 2025
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Cathay Pacific
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Qantas
- Etihad Airways
- 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 (trialing a hybrid model on some routes)
- Air Calin
- Air Mauritius
- Garuda Indonesia
New Category: Best Hybrid Airlines
In a significant update to the awards, Airline Ratings has introduced a new category: Best Hybrid Airlines. This addition recognizes airlines that bridge the gap between full-service and low-cost models, offering a unique blend of affordability and premium services.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, stated, “Hybrid airlines are reshaping the travel industry, and we are proud to be the first aviation media outlet to acknowledge their impact with a dedicated category.”
Top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025
- JetBlue
- WestJet
- Virgin Australia
- Delta Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
- LOT Polish Airlines (transitioning to full-service)
- TAP Air Portugal
- Alaska Airlines
- SWISS
- Avianca
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Finnair
- Austrian Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- ITA Airways
- SAS
Top 20 Low-Cost Airlines for 2025
AirAsia continues its dominance in budget-friendly travel, earning the title of World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 2025. With a strong focus on affordability, digital innovations, and a seven-star safety rating, the airline is setting new benchmarks in the industry.
- AirAsia
- Jetstar
- AirBaltic
- HK Express
- EasyJet
- FlyDubai
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Breeze Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- SKY Airline
- FlyNas
- TUI Airways
- Norwegian
- IndiGo
- Air Arabia
- Volaris
- Jet2
- Wizz Air
- Vueling
Special Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Aviation
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| World’s Best Regional Airline | Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) |
| World’s Best Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier | VietJet |
| World’s Best Cabin Crew | Virgin Australia |
| World’s Best Airport | Singapore Changi |
| World’s Best Airline Lounges | Qantas |
How Airlines Were Selected
The Best Full-Service Airlines were judged on criteria including seat comfort, meal offerings, lie-flat beds in Business Class, Wi-Fi availability, and financial strength. Only airlines with a seven-star safety rating and a modern fleet were considered.
Hybrid Airlines were ranked based on their seat pitch (minimum 30 inches), complimentary beverages, and additional premium services like recliner seats and in-flight entertainment.
For Low-Cost Airlines, affordability was key, but the highest-ranking carriers also offered on-board meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi for purchase, along with a strong route network and safety record.
Final Thoughts
With Korean Air leading the way and hybrid airlines gaining recognition, the 2025 Airline Ratings Awards highlight the best in air travel. Whether travellers seek luxury, affordability, or a balance of both, this list serves as a comprehensive guide to the top airlines worldwide.
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