More Than a Million Passengers Chose It: This Is the World’s Best Airline

Emirates. Credit: Shutterstock. A new international ranking based on passenger reviews from around the world has named the big winner of 2026. Passengers evaluated a range of factors, from service to the overall flight experience.

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline from the United Arab Emirates, was named “Best Airline in the Middle East” in the 2026 APEX awards, which are based on passenger ratings from around the world. The announcement of the win took place at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, after the company received the highest scores in the Middle East category. The ranking was based on reviews from passengers on more than one million flights operated by more than 600 airlines worldwide. As part of the survey, passengers were asked to rate their flight experience in several key areas, including seat comfort, cabin crew service, food and beverage quality, inflight entertainment systems and internet connectivity options.

Emirates’ win comes at a time when competition among Gulf airlines continues to intensify, as companies such as Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and others invest heavily in improving the passenger experience and expanding their international operations. According to APEX data, passengers gave Emirates particularly high scores in several categories, including seat comfort, service, food quality and inflight entertainment, which put it at the top of the regional ranking. The award is based on verified passenger feedback and not on a judges’ decision.

On all of Emirates’ flights, the cabins are carefully designed with personal space and ergonomic seats. As part of Emirates’ ongoing fleet upgrade program, it continues to upgrade seats and their fittings across all flights and classes. New Safran Z400 seats in economy class are expected to be introduced in October, with an eight-way adjustable headrest for improved neck and head support. The airline also offers premium economy seats with generous recline, footrests, a six-way adjustable headrest and a 13.3-inch personal screen. In business class, new seats feature increased privacy, a fully flat bed with a mattress and pillow, wireless charging and adjustable ambient lighting, while first class offers fully enclosed private suites, described by passengers as a “hotel room in the sky.” These include electronically controlled doors, individual climate control and a unique “zero gravity” mode.

Emirates currently operates one of the largest fleets in the world, made up mainly of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, and serves tens of millions of passengers each year through its hub in Dubai. At the same time, the company continues a large-scale fleet upgrade program and is examining the expansion of onboard internet services using Starlink satellite technology. APEX awards are considered one of the leading measures of satisfaction in the global aviation industry, as they are based on actual passenger feedback rather than professional tests or expert assessments. Emirates airline flights