Widely regarded as the most important awards in the travel industry, The Skytrax World Airline Awards have just revealed their 2025 winners. Determined through the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, the awards reflect the opinions of travellers from across the globe.

While the recognition holds prestige, the results can often be questionable and reflect a number of biases. This list shouldn’t be taken too definitively, as the ‘best’ airline often depends on your needs and preferences. That’s why discussing with one of our Airfare Specialists can make all the difference, we’ll find the best Business Class seat for yourself, tailor and customise an itinerary for you!

Read on for the list of the Skytrax World’s Top Airlines of 2025 along with our insights as a trusted and leading Australian travel agency.

The Results

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific
4. Emirates
5. ANA All Nippon Airways
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Korean Air
8. Air France
9. Japan Airlines
10. Hainan Airlines

Other Business Class Highlights

The awards also celebrated the best in Business Class, with Qatar Airways continuing its winning streak:

Best Business Class Airline Seats

Qatar Airways claimed the top spot, followed by ANA All Nippon Airways and then in 3rd spot, Japan Airlines.

Best Business Class Airline Lounges

Qatar Airways’ Doha lounge was named the best, with Air Canada’s lounge in Vancouver taking second spot.

Best Business Class Onboard Catering

Turkish Airlines took the top prize, with Qatar Airways and Hainan Airlines following closely.

Best Business Lounge Dining

In addition, Air Canada’s lounge in Vancouver was awarded the Best Business Lounge Dining.

Our Insights

Many of these top-ranked carriers are favourites of ours at Flat Beds, and it highlights our commitment to providing top Business Class airfares to our customers. However, it’s important to acknowledge some of the limitations of how these results are determined.

The size of the airline and network impacts the outcome considerably. Voted by travellers, the larger airlines tend to receive the best results. This is due to the sizable number of customers they have because of their expansive networks. Often, you’ll see the world’s biggest airlines in the top, such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

Yes, these airlines boast incredible Business Class products, but it’s disappointing seeing some of our underrated, favourite (and best selling) airlines ranked significantly lower. Finnair (25), Oman Air (48) and Hawaiian Airlines (100) deliver exceptional value and premium offerings, yet remain far from the top tier. It’s equally surprising seeing Scoot (30), Singapore Airline’s super low-cost budget carrier, and the much criticised Azerbaijan Airlines (50) ranked higher than United (51)- which has a consistently excellent hard product with fantastic Polaris suites across the long haul network, despite some shortcomings with onboard service.

We’re also surprised to see British Airways voted above Qantas. Considering its outdated Club World product, it was unexpected to see it ranked higher than Qantas, who have risen 10 spots since 2024.

A key takeaway to these results is to think of it more like the World’s ‘Favourite’ Airlines of 2025, rather than it reflecting the best products on the market. The best way you can be sure of a product is by discussing it with an Airfare Specialist before you book. At Flat Beds, we’ll research and assess the best airlines suited to your needs, itinerary and your make-or-breaks.

Skytrax Awards Summary

While the Skytrax World Airline Awards are the most important of its kind in the travel industry, the results, based on public voting, should be taken with a grain of salt. Larger airlines with extensive networks tend to dominate due to sheer volume of votes, often overshadowing some truly impressive but lesser-known carriers.

While many of the top-ranked airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines are customer favourites, surprising placements- such as Scoot outranking United, or British Airways ranking higher than Qantas- highlight the flaws in the system. Ultimately, these awards reflect popularity more than product quality. That’s why speaking with a Flat Beds Airfare Specialist is invaluable- we’ll help you navigate the noise and find the airline that truly suits your travel needs.