AirlineRatings has released its long-awaited list of the world's best airlines. The leaders were distinguished by the perfect level of passenger comfort, service and innovation. Find out which airlines received the status of the best air carriers in 2025

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AirlineRatings.com, a website about aviation safety and aviation products, has published a ranking of the best airlines in the world. The leader of 2025 was Korean Air, which replaced Qatar Airways, a company that became the leader eight times in a row. Also this year, a new category was presented - “Best Hybrid Airlines”.

We will tell you about the list of leaders that made it to the list of the best airlines with a full range of services, hybrid and low-cost travel, as well as a number of additional nominations later in this article.

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The best airline of 2025 - Korean Air

Korean Air was named the best airline of 2025. It received this title because it is distinguished by maximum care for passenger comfort, especially in economy class. In particular, on Korean Air’s wide-body aircraft, a large step between seats of 33-34 inches (84-86 cm) is maintained. This is a significant advantage over most competitors, which offer much less legroom.

Korean Air also prioritizes passenger comfort, with thoughtful touches including slippers and eye masks, an in-flight menu with Western and Korean dishes, and service with a smile.

Top 25 Best Airlines of 2025

In addition to Korean Air, the top 25 best airlines in 2025 according to AirlineRatings.com include the following carriers:

- 1st place – Korean Air

- 2nd place – Qatar Airways

- 3rd place – Air New Zealand

- 4th place – Cathay Pacific

- 5th place – Singapore Airlines

- 6th place – Emirates

- 7th place – Japan Airlines

- 8th place – Qantas

- 9th place – Etihad Airways

- 10th place – Turkish Airlines

- 11th place – EVA Air

- 12th place – Fiji Airways

- 13th place – Virgin Atlantic

- 14th place – ANA

- 15th place – Aero Mexico

- 16th place – Air Caraibes

- 17th place – Thai Airways

- 18th place – STARLUX Airlines

- 19th place – Vietnam Airlines

- 20th place – Sri Lankan Airlines

- 21st place – Air France

- 22nd place – KLM (trialing a hybrid model on some routes)

- 23rd place – Air Calin

- 24th place – Air Mauritius

- 25th place – Garuda Indonesia

The list was compiled based on feedback from travelers and aviation experts, taking into account consistency, safety and financial stability.

Top 10 Best Budget Airlines in the World 2025

AirAsia continues its dominance in budget travel, earning the title of the best budget airline in the world in 2025. With a focus on accessibility, digital innovation and a seven-star safety rating, the airline is setting new industry standards. The following carriers also made the list:

- 1st place – AirAsia

- 2nd place – Jetstar

- 3rd place – AirBaltic

- 4th place – HK Express

- 5th place – EasyJet

- 6th place – FlyDubai

- 7th place – Ryanair

- 8th place – Scoot

- 9th place – Breeze Airways

- 10th place – Southwest Airlines

- 11th place – SKY Airline

- 12th place – FlyNas

- 13th place – TUI Airways

- 14th place – Norwegian

- 15th place – IndiGo

- 16th place – Air Arabia

- 17th place – Volaris

- 18th place – Jet2

- 19th place – Wizz Air

- 20th place – Vueling

Best Hybrid Airlines – a new category in the ranking

This year, the ranking introduced a new category – Best Hybrid Airlines. These are carriers that offer a unique combination of affordability and premium service. According to AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen, such carriers are changing the travel industry.

Top 20 Best Hybrid Airlines 2025:

- 1st place – JetBlue

- 2nd place – WestJet

- 3rd place – Virgin Australia

- 4th place – Delta Airlines

- 5th place – United Airlines

- 6th place – American Airlines

- 7th place – Lufthansa

- 8th place – Air Canada

- 9th place – LOT Polish Airlines

- 10th place – TAP Air Portugal

- 11th place – Alaska Airlines

- 12th place – SWISS

- 13th place – Avianca

- 14th place – Iberia

- 15th place – British Airways

- 16th place – Finnair

- 17th place – Austrian Airlines

- 18th place – Hawaiian Airlines

- 19th place – ITA Airways

- 20th place – SAS

Special awards in the ranking of the best airlines in the world

As for the regional winners, Virgin Australia Regional provided an “outstanding travel experience” thanks to its efficiency and customer focus, while Vietjet was awarded the award for the best ultra-low-cost carrier for affordability that maintains quality.

- The best cabin crew in the world - Virgin Australia.

- The best airport in the world - Singapore Changi.

- The best lounges in the world - Qantas.

How were the best airlines in the world in 2025 chosen?

The best airlines with a full range were chosen taking into account the following criteria: seat comfort, menus, beds in business class, availability of Wi-Fi, etc.

It is worth noting that only airlines with a seven-star safety rating and a modern fleet were considered.

Hybrid airlines were evaluated based on the distance between seats, the availability of complimentary drinks and premium additional services, such as in-flight entertainment.

For budget airlines, affordability was key, but they also looked at whether they offered food, drinks and Wi-Fi on board, as well as a developed route network and safety performance.

The ranking of the best airlines in the world will help travelers plan their trips and choose the companies that meet their requirements, regardless of whether travelers are looking for luxury, affordability or a balance between the two.

Reminder! In 2025, Europe introduced new rules for hand luggage, including restrictions on size, weight and volume of liquids. We have already told you what rules for hand luggage European airlines are putting forward in 2025.

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