This is officially the world's best airline for 2026

This national carrier has carved its name into the skies as the world’s best airline for 2026.

Each year, Australian-based aviation review company AirlineRatings.com publishes its report on the 25 best airlines in the world. Unlike their world’s safest airlines rankings, this list is determined by the AirlineRatings team rather than public voting, and is based on measurable aspects of the in-flight product and overall passenger experience.

In 2026, a familiar global leader has returned to the top spot, continuing to soar above competitors.

What is the World’s Best Airline 2026?

Qatar Airways named World's Best Airline 2026 — Qatar Airways has been named the World’s Best Airline for 2026. (Credit: Qatar Airways)

Claiming the title of World’s Best Airline for 2026 is Qatar Airways, the Doha-based national carrier of the State of Qatar.

This isn’t the first time the carrier has topped the ranks, having previously been named the world’s number one full-service airline numerous times and consistently ranking within the top five slots. Established in 1993, Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

Coming in at second place is Cathay Pacific, followed by Singapore Airlines and Korea Air, with STARLUX Airlines rounding out the five best airlines for 2026. Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air New Zealand and Etihad Airways respectively make up the rest of the top ten rankings.

Why Qatar Airways?

qatar airways flight attendants — The airline is recognised for its high-standard service. (Credit: Qatar Airways)

Several factors influence the AirlineRatings.com rankings, including passenger comfort, expert editor reviews, product consistency and value.

CEO of AirlineRatings.com Sharon Petersen says it is Qatar Airways’ dedication to product innovation and improving the passenger experience, along with its reliably high standard of service, that continues to impress.

“It was a tight competition at the top, but Qatar’s value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again," Petersen says.

qatar airways Qsuite Next Gen — The innovative Qsuite Next Gen business class seating. (Credit: Qatar Airways)

The airline has rolled out gate-to-gate Starlink wi-fi, offers up to 8500 in-flight entertainment options and launched world-leading Qsuite seating – private business class spaces with sliding doors, fully flat-lay beds and generous storage.

“What stands out most are the thoughtful touches in economy, such as enhanced catering, amenity kits and one of the best entertainment libraries in the sky. And, of course, for those fortunate enough to travel in business class, the airline offers one of the world’s most awarded products, the Qsuite."

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Up and comers

jetBlue plane — jetBlue ranked the 17th best airline in the world. (Credit: Unsplash/Brandon Karaca)

Petersen highlights that several of the industry’s newer and rapidly evolving airlines are beginning to challenge long-established heavyweights, thanks to investments in customer experience, fleet modernisation and expanded networks.

“One of the standout movers this year is Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines. With strong cabin service, high-quality catering and modern interiors, it is rapidly establishing itself as a premium competitor, particularly as it prepares to expand into Europe later this year.

“New York-based jetBlue and Poland’s LOT have moved from the hybrid to the full-service category, reflecting a broader range of complimentary inclusions.

“JetBlue’s Mint Suite rivals larger carriers, offering one of the widest business class seats across the Atlantic."

The World’s Best Airlines for 2026

Below are the top full-service airlines in the world for 2026, as ranked by AirlineRatings.com.

Qatar Airways
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Korean Air
STARLUX Airlines
Japan Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Emirates
Air New Zealand
Etihad Airways
EVA Air
Qantas
Virgin Atlantic
Hainan Airlines
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Vietnam Airlines
jetBlue
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Air France
Malaysia Airlines
Thai Airways
Fiji Airways
Saudia Airlines
Garuda Indonesia
LOT Polish Airlines

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

This is officially the world’s best airline for 2026

This national carrier has carved its name into the skies as the world’s best airline for 2026.

What is the World’s Best Airline 2026?

Why Qatar Airways?

Up and comers

The World’s Best Airlines for 2026

Is Cathay Pacific’s Premium Economy worth the upgrade?

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