Singapore Airlines Named the World's Best Airline in 2026

At the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, the results of which were announced on September 18, 2026, in London, Singapore Airlines was once again named the world’s best airline. The award is based on a survey of more than 24.8 million travelers worldwide and is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in the aviation industry. The Singapore-based carrier thus relegated Qatar Airways, last year’s titleholder, and Cathay Pacific Airways to second and third place, respectively.

This marks the sixth time Singapore Airlines has won this award, following previous victories in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2018, and 2023. In addition to the overall victory, the airline received further accolades this year: It was named the best airline in Asia as well as the world’s best airline in Economy Class, including the best in-flight dining in that class. In terms of cabin crew quality, Singapore Airlines took second place behind Cathay Pacific. Its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, was also named the world’s best long-haul low-cost airline for the sixth consecutive year.

For travelers considering flight connections via Singapore, the Middle East, or Hong Kong, this ranking provides useful guidance when choosing an airline—especially for longer intercontinental flights, where service quality, in-flight comfort, and reliability play a greater role. Anyone planning a trip via Singapore, Qatar, or Hong Kong should also keep an eye on the respective entry requirements, as flight bookings and visa applications often need to be arranged simultaneously.

While awards such as those from Skytrax do not change the formal visa requirements for the respective destination countries, they can be helpful when planning a route, for example, when layovers or transit visas come into play. For example, anyone traveling via Singapore and then continuing on to a country that requires a visa should clarify the relevant deadlines and required documents well in advance. An overview of all visa types makes it easy to determine which category applies to the planned trip.

Regardless of which airline is chosen for the trip, applying for the appropriate visa in a timely manner remains a key step in travel planning. We handle the entire application process for our customers and review the required documents in advance so that travelers can focus on the most convenient—and, according to the Skytrax ranking, highest-quality—flight connections. Using our application form, you can submit your visa application directly, without having to go through embassies or online portals.