AirlineRatings.com is pleased to announce the highly anticipated World’s Best Airline Awards for 2025.

While our World’s Safest Airlines focus on safety, the World’s Best Airlines awards are centred on passenger comfort, feedback, and product consistency across an airline’s route network. These awards are not a popularity contest; rather, each airline is thoroughly evaluated based on what it offers passengers throughout its fleet and network.

This year, we are introducing an exciting change to the awards format. In addition to recognizing the best full-service and low-cost airlines, we are adding a new category: Best Hybrid Airlines.  AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen commented, “These airlines deserve recognition for their excellence in hybrid operations and their innovative offerings. We are proud to be the first aviation media outlet to acknowledge this shift and introduce a dedicated category that celebrates hybrid airlines and their significant positive impact on the travel industry.”

For more information on what defines a hybrid airline, click here.

Now to our Award Winners ………….

Here are the top 25 Full Service Airlines for 2025

1. Korean Air

2. Qatar

3. Air New Zealand

4. Cathay Pacific

5. Singapore Airlines

6. Emirates

7. Japan Airlines

8. Qantas

9. Etihad

10. Turkish Airlines

11. EVA Air

12. Fiji Airways

13. Virgin Atlantic

14. ANA

15. Aero Mexico

16. Air Caraibes

17. Thai Airways

18. STARLUX Airlines

19. Vietnam Airlines

20. Sri Lankan Airlines

21. Air France

22. KLM (note the airline are trialling a Hybrid model on some routes)

23. Air Calin

24. Air Mauritius

25. Garuda Indonesia

Here are the top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025

1. Jetblue

2. Westjet

3. Virgin Australia

4. Delta Airlines

5. United

6. American Airlines

7. Lufthansa

8. Air Canada

9. LOT Polish Airlines (this is under change and may soon be full service)

10. TAP Portugal

11. Alaska Airlines

12. SWISS

13. Avianca

14. Iberia

15. British Airways

16. Finnair

17. Austrian Airlines

18. Hawaiian

19. ITA

20. SAS  

Here are the top 20 Low Cost Airlines for 2025

1. AirAsia

2. Jetstar

3. AirBaltic

4. HK Express

5. Easyjet

6. FlyDubai

7. Ryanair

8. Scoot

9. Breeze

10. Southwest

11. SKY Airline

12. FlyNas

13. TUI

14. Norwegian

15. Indi GO

16. Air Arabia

17. Volaris

18. Jet2

19. Wizz

20. Vueling

READ: Cabin Class Awards for 2025

World’s Best Regional Airline: Virgin Australia Regional (VARA)
Runner-Up: Aegean Air

VARA (Virgin Australia Regional Airlines) and Air Baltic have been awarded the Best Regional Airline Awards for their excellence in service, reliability, and overall passenger experience. Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings, highlighted their achievements, stating, "VARA has consistently delivered an outstanding travel experience, combining efficiency and customer focus to meet the needs of regional and Fly in Fly Out (FiFo) travelers." She also praised Aegean, saying, "Aegean stands out as a leader in the regional airline sector, with its modern fleet, excellent safety record, operational reliability, and commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. Their onboard offering despite the short flight times is among some of the best in Europe. A truly deserving winner "

World’s Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier: Vietjet

World’s Best Ultra Low Cost Carrier Runner Up: Cebu Pacific

 VietJet has again been named the winner of the Best Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier Award, recognized for redefining affordability while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.  Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings, applauded the airline's achievement, stating, "VietJet has mastered the art of delivering exceptional value to passengers, combining competitive fares with a reliable and innovative service model. Their ability to make air travel accessible to millions without compromising on safety or efficiency sets them apart. In addition to this, our onboard reviews have noticed time and time again the dedication of their crew to help all passengers and that is something we highly regard"

VietJet continues to lead the ultra-low-cost carrier sector, providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for budget-conscious travellers.

World’s Best Cabin Crew: Virgin Australia

World’s Best Airport: Singapore Changi

World’s Best Airline Branded Lounges: Qantas

 How we select our Best Full Service, Hybrid and Low Cost Airline award winners.

AirlineRatings.com has carefully selected its top 25 full-service airlines for 2025, based on a set of stringent criteria. To be considered, airlines must offer a comprehensive full-service experience, including meals, snacks, and beverages regardless of flight duration. The economy seat pitch must be a minimum of 31 inches, and business class must provide lie-flat beds. Additionally, a seven-star safety rating is required, along with a modern fleet, consistency in in-flight product across the fleet, and a strong financial standing.

While not mandatory, desirable features include Wi-Fi availability, in-seat power across all cabin classes, kids' packs, and a premium economy offering.

The criteria for the top 20 hybrid airlines for 2025 are as follows: airlines must offer a minimum seat pitch of 30 inches in economy class and provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Airlines with recliner seats in business class and in-flight entertainment will be ranked higher.

For the top 20 low-cost airlines of 2025, we consider airlines that offer a combination of affordable on-board services, such as meals, drinks, and snacks. Additional services like Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment may be available for purchase. The highest-ranked low-cost carriers offer exceptionally low base fares and maintain an excellent route network. These airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards, including a seven-star safety rating.