List of best airlines in the world is revealed – and Qantas takes out a surprising spot after a tough few years

By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 15:40 BST, 17 June 2025 | Updated: 16:26 BST, 17 June 2025

Air carrier review website Skytrax has released its list of the world’s best airlines.

Qantas, Australia’s flagship carrier, was named the 14th-best airline in the world.

The news may come as a shock to some travellers following several years of bitter backlash against Qantas – including massive government handouts during Covid, unfairly sacking workers and becoming embroiled in political drama after offering politicians placements in the Chairman’s Lounge.

Skytrax released its ranking on Tuesday with Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific taking the top three spots.

The remaining 10 positions were respectively handed to Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Air France, Japan Airlines and Hainan Airlines.

Qantas Airways was ranked 14th – beaten by Swiss Int’l Air Lines in 11th, EVA Air in 12th and British Airways in 13th.

Qantas received several other awards from Skytrax including Best Airline in Australia/Pacific.

‘To be recognised as the Best Airline Australia and Pacific reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering for our customers and is testament to the exceptional work of our people,’ Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, said.

Qantas was named the 14th-best airline in the world by airline reviewer Skytrax on Tuesday

Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson (pictured), thanked employees for their hard work

‘I want to sincerely thank our incredible team of more than 29,000 people around the world, who bring such passion and pride to the work they do every single day. 

‘This award belongs to them.’

In 2024, Qantas was ranked 24th on the world’s best airlines list. 

Qantas again received several 2025 Australia/Pacific awards for its class offerings.

Those included Best Economy Class, Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, Best Business Class, Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Premium Economy Class.

The airline also claimed awards for the Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific and Cleanest Airline in Australia/Pacific.

One of the other top Skytrax awards for Australia was handed to Virgin Australia for the Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific.

The carrier was also awarded Best Regional Airline in Australia/Pacific and Most Family Friendly Airline in Australia/Pacific.

Qantas faced a difficult few years following Covid and government controversy (pictured, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce)

Qantas also received several awards for its economy, premium economy and business services

Virgin Australia was ranked the second-best regional airline in the world. 

Jetstar also collected two awards from Skytrax in 2025.

Those were Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia/Pacific and Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia.

Only two awards for the Australia/Pacific region were awarded to non-Australian companies.

Those were Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering awarded to Air New Zealand and Best Business Class Lounge awarded to Air New Zealand – AKL.

The remaining top 20 airlines by Skytrax were Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Saudi Arabian Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, Air Canada and Iberia.

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List of best airlines in the world is revealed – and Qantas takes out a surprising spot after a tough few years

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