World’s airline rankings revealed: Singapore Airlines leads as Air India climbs to four stars

Singapore Airlines has reclaimed the title of World's Best Airline at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards in London, while Air India and IndiGo secured major honours in the India and South Asia categories.

Singapore Airlines has been named the world's best airline for 2026, ending Qatar Airways' two-year run at the top of the Skytrax rankings.

The Singapore-based carrier also won the awards for World's Best Economy Class and World's Best Onboard Catering. Qatar Airways finished second overall while retaining several major premium-category awards.

Cathay Pacific ranked third, followed by ANA All Nippon Airways and Turkish Airlines in the global top five.

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Qatar Airways retains major premium awards

Although Qatar Airways lost the overall title, it continued to dominate several premium categories. The airline won World's Best Business Class for the 13th time and was named Best Airline in the Middle East for the 14th time.

It also received the award for World's Best Onboard Wi-Fi.

The airline's Group CEO Hamad Al-Khater credited its workforce of around 60,000 employees for its performance during the year.

Air India leads India's full-service category

Air India secured the award for Best Airline in India and was also recognised for having the Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia.

The airline also received a four-star Skytrax rating, an upgrade from its previous three-star certification. The change comes as Air India continues its fleet modernisation, cabin upgrades and wider transformation programme.

The carrier has been undertaking product and service changes as part of its Vihaan.AI transformation programme.

IndiGo takes low-cost airline honours

IndiGo retained the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia. The award marks the 16th time the airline has received the regional honour.

IndiGo also won Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia and was named the Cleanest Airline in India and South Asia.

The results place both major Indian carriers prominently in the regional awards, although neither appeared in the global top 20 overall list provided for 2026.

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World's top 20 airlines in 2026

Singapore Airlines topped the global list, followed by Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific. ANA All Nippon Airways ranked fourth and Turkish Airlines fifth.

The remaining airlines in the global top 20 were Emirates, Air France, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Qantas Airways, STARLUX Airlines, Lufthansa, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Iberia, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Swiss International Air Lines and Thai Airways.

What the 2026 awards show

The 2026 results highlight the continued strength of Asian and Middle Eastern airlines across global and regional categories. Singapore Airlines returned to the overall top position, while Qatar Airways maintained a strong presence in premium travel categories.

For India, the awards provide separate recognition for full-service and low-cost carriers. Air India's four-star upgrade also marks a change in its Skytrax certification as the airline continues its fleet and cabin modernisation programme.

IndiGo's continued success in the regional low-cost category reflects its established position in the South Asian aviation market.