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Summary:
- Skytrax and AirlineRatings name different best airlines for 2025.
- Qatar Airways leads Skytrax, while Korean Air takes the top spot at AirlineRatings.
- Ratings combine safety, onboard comfort, fleet quality and passenger experience.
- Low cost airlines also stand out but in separate categories.
- Knowing how rankings work helps you match an airline to your route, budget and travel style.
Every year, travellers and aviation fans wait to see which airline climbs to the top of the rankings. These lists reflect millions of passenger reviews and expert assessments and they show how carriers compete to offer safer and smoother flights. Beneath the headlines, there is far more nuance than a simple top ten.
In 2025, Qatar Airways keeps its lead in the Skytrax World Airline Awards, while Korean Air reaches number one at AirlineRatings.com. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates remain serious contenders, each with its own strengths. This guide breaks down how these rankings work and how to use them to choose a carrier that matches your next trip. Let’s dive in.
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How airline rankings are really made (and what they measure)
Skytrax builds its awards around a global passenger survey. Reviews cover check in, seat comfort, meal quality, cabin cleanliness and the attitude of cabin crews. All these details feed into a final score based on what travellers actually experience in the air. The focus is on genuine passenger perception.
AirlineRatings.com uses a broader method. The team mixes expert audits with passenger feedback and looks at product consistency, financial stability and fleet maintenance. They also publish an annual list of the safest airlines, based on long term performance and operational reliability.
In short:
Skytrax reflects how travellers feel onboard, while AirlineRatings highlights technical consistency.
2025’s top airlines: two rankings and two viewpoints
From the Skytrax angle
Qatar Airways holds the top position. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific follow closely, with Emirates and ANA completing the top five. These carriers are known for refined cabins and strong long haul networks.
From the AirlineRatings angle
Korean Air takes the lead, followed by Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines complete the top tier.
🗂️ Quick comparison
| Rank | Skytrax 2025 | AirlineRatings 2025 |
| 1 | Qatar Airways | Korean Air |
| 2 | Singapore Airlines | Qatar Airways |
| 3 | Cathay Pacific | Air New Zealand |
| 4 | Emirates | Cathay Pacific |
| 5 | ANA | Singapore Airlines |
| 6 | Turkish Airlines | Emirates |
| 7 | Korean Air | Japan Airlines |
| 8 | Air France | Qantas Airways |
| 9 | Japan Airlines | Etihad Airways |
| 10 | Hainan Airlines | Turkish Airlines |
A small group of airlines appears consistently near the top: Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Emirates and Korean Air. European airlines like Air France also remain strong despite not reaching the top three.
Where safety meets comfort: the part travellers often overlook
Safety lists are published separately, yet they matter just as much. In 2025, Air New Zealand leads the list of the safest airlines, followed by Qantas. Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates also obtain excellent ratings, confirming their position among the most reliable carriers.
These overlaps help travellers make better choices. Some airlines perform well in both service and safety, while others shine more clearly in one category. A nervous flyer may find comfort by checking both lists instead of relying solely on marketing claims or cabin design.
Traveler’s note: comparing safety and comfort rankings side by side gives a clearer impression of an airline’s overall strength.
Low cost airlines in 2025: not second class, just different
Low cost carriers have their own space in the rankings. AirAsia, Scoot, IndiGo, Transavia France, airBaltic, Vueling, Jet2.com, easyJet and Ryanair all receive recognition in 2025.
For travellers, this means a low cost airline can still offer a good and reliable experience, especially on short routes. Ratings take punctuality, cabin upkeep and staff behaviour into account, relative to the fare paid. Safety standards remain the same for all certified airlines.
Budget insight: always compare the final price, including baggage, seat choice and onboard meals, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How to use these rankings when planning your next trip
Rankings become genuinely useful when you link them to your needs. If you’re planning a long haul flight, check whether a top 10 airline operates the route. For connections, choose airlines with a solid reputation for customer service and fast help during disruptions. For tight budgets, rely on low cost rankings to identify stable and clean carriers.
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Rankings won’t guarantee a perfect flight, but they show which companies consistently invest in their crews, cabins and operations. That alone can make a meaningful difference when you spend ten hours in the air.
The best airlines in the world 2025 reveal more than a list of favourites. Skytrax and AirlineRatings use different methods, yet they highlight the same group of carriers that shape long haul travel today. Using their rankings as a guide helps you choose flights with more confidence and a clearer sense of what to expect.
