Skytrax Names the World’s Top 20 Airlines for 2026 — and No U.S. Carriers Made the List

The results of the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards are in. Singapore Airlines has been named the world’s best airline, taking the top spot from last year’s winner, Qatar Airways.

Once again, no U.S. carrier made the top 20, though several familiar names earned recognition in other categories.

Here’s how the 2026 rankings shook out.

Singapore Airlines Takes the Top Spot for the Sixth Time

Launched in 1999, the World Airline Awards are based on a global passenger satisfaction survey conducted by Skytrax. This year’s survey ran from September 2025 through August 2026 and included travelers from more than 100 countries.

More than 300 airlines appeared in the survey. Here’s how the world’s top 20 airlines ranked for 2026:

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. Cathay Pacific
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Turkish Airlines
6. Emirates
7. Air France
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Japan Airlines
10. Korean Air
11. EVA Air
12. Qantas Airways
13. Starlux Airlines
14. Lufthansa
15. Saudi Arabian Airlines
16. Iberia
17. Air Canada
18. Virgin Atlantic
19. Swiss International Air Lines
20. Thai Airways

This is the sixth time Singapore Airlines has earned the top honor. It also won World’s Best Economy Class and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.

Qatar Airways fell to second place but retained the title of World’s Best Business Class with its impressive Qsuite product. Air France won World’s Best First Class for its exclusive La Première experience. EVA Air took home World’s Best Premium Economy Class, and Cathay Pacific earned World’s Best Cabin Crew.

Although U.S. airlines were once again absent from the top 20, there were a few notable wins closer to home. Allegiant was named Best Low-Cost Airline in North America, while American Airlines placed fourth among the world’s most improved airlines.

U.S. credit card airport lounges also performed well. The Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York (LGA) was named the world’s best independent airport lounge, while the Capital One Lounge at New York (JFK) ranked fifth.

Final Thoughts

Singapore Airlines is back on top, earning the title of world’s best airline for the sixth time and knocking Qatar Airways down to second place.

There were still a few wins for U.S. airlines and airport lounges, but once again, no U.S. carrier cracked the world’s top 20.