THE world’s best airlines have been revealed – including the best budget carries in Europe.
Often dubbed the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’, each year The Skytrax World Airline Awards awards the best airlines in each region and the world.

Around 300 airlines are included in the awards, which are voted on by millions of travellers from over 100 nationalities each year.
Coming out on top of the European list was Turkish Airlines.
The airline operates direct routes from six UK airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
Flights head to destinations including Istanbul and Lagos, costing from £177 return.
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Coming in second place was Air France, which connects the UK to Paris, while Lufthansa came in third, who has flights from the UK to Germany from eight airports.
When it comes to budget airlines, Vueling was named the best in Europe with Wizz Air taking the top spot for the best low-cost airline in Central Europe.


As for UK airlines, they didn’t fair as well sadly.
Virgin Atlantic was named fifth in Europe and 18th in the world whereas British Airways was named seventh in Europe and 23rd overall.
Ryanair was then named the best low-cost airline in the UK while TUI Airways was named the best leisure airline in the UK.
The airline that came out on top across the whole globe was Singapore Airlines.
Best Airlines in Europe 2026
THESE are the best airlines in Europe according to the Skytrax Awards:
- Turkish Airlines
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- Iberia
- Virgin Atlantic
- Swiss International Air Lines
- British Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Finnair
Singapore Airlines operates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester airports.
The airline flies direct to Singapore Changi Airport, which is a major hub for connections to a number of destinations including Australia.
Top 10 airlines in the world
THESE are the top 10 airlines in the world, according to Skytrax:
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- Air France
- Hainan Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air
