Surpassing Qatar Airways, Korean Airways emerged as the Airline of the Year for 2025, as per data compiled by the AirlineRatings.com.
The World’s Best Airline Awards are determined based on feedback from travellers, expert editor reviews, overall product choice and consistency for passengers, innovation, and forward fleet orders.
“Safety is a key consideration, with only seven-star safety-rated airlines eligible, and financial stability is also factored in—airlines undergoing restructuring, mergers, or bankruptcy are not considered, ” reads the AirlineRatings.com.
As per the Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency, Korean Air won the numero uno position for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in Economy Class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft.
The agency said unlike many of its competitors, Korean Air resisted reducing seat space, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience.
Qatar Airways stood in the second position while Air New Zealand ranked third. Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines held the fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Speaking on the ranking, AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said: “In reviewing this year’s awards, we placed particular emphasis on Economy Class, as it is where most passengers travel.”
“While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches (down from the previous 32–33 inches), Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend,” Petersen said.
“They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33-34 inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience,” the CEO said.
This year, in addition to recognizing the best full-service and low-cost airlines, the agency added a new category: Best Hybrid Airlines.
Here are the top 25 Full Service Airlines for 2025
Korean Air
Qatar
Air New Zealand
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Emirates
Japan Airlines
Qantas
Etihad
Turkish Airlines
EVA Air
Fiji Airways
Virgin Atlantic
ANA
Aero Mexico
Air Caraibes
Thai Airways
STARLUX Airlines
Vietnam Airlines
Sri Lankan Airlines
Air France
KLM (note the airline are trialling a Hybrid model on some routes)
Air Calin
Air Mauritius
Garuda Indonesia
Here are the top 20 Hybrid Airlines for 2025
Jetblue
Westjet
Virgin Australia
Delta Airlines
United
American Airlines
Lufthansa
Air Canada
LOT Polish Airlines (this is under change and may soon be full service)
TAP Portugal
Alaska Airlines
SWISS
Avianca
Iberia
British Airways
Finnair
Austrian Airlines
Hawaiian
ITA
SAS
Here are the top 20 Low Cost Airlines for 2025
AirAsia
Jetstar
AirBaltic
HK Express
Easyjet
FlyDubai
Ryanair
Scoot
Breeze
Southwest
SKY Airline
FlyNas
TUI
Norwegian
Indi GO
Air Arabia
Volaris
Jet2
Wizz
Vueling
