Forbes Travel Guide has unveiled its 2025 ranking of the world’s best airlines and airports, with Emirates Airlines retaining its crown as the top global carrier and Singapore’s Changi Airport once again leading the pack for exceptional passenger experience, innovation, and comfort.
The annual list celebrates excellence in global air travel, spotlighting the industry’s highest achievers in safety, design, and customer service.
According to aviationa2z.com, the ratings are based on thousands of evaluations from travel experts, hospitality professionals, and inspectors who judge airlines and airports on how well they deliver quality, safety, and overall passenger experience.
This year, 18 winners were named across several categories, including inflight service, cabin design, lounges, and innovation.
Emirates Tops Global Airline List
Based in DUBAI (DXB), Emirates has once again been named the world’s best international airline. Known for its luxurious First Class suites and high-quality inflight experience, the airline impressed Forbes reviewers with its attention to detail.
Emirates’ First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER features fully enclosed private suites, floor-to-ceiling doors, personal minibars, and video calls to the cabin crew.
Passengers also receive Bulgari amenity kits and dine on gourmet meals created by top chefs. The airline has long been famous for its champagne selection, and its service standards remain among the highest in the industry.
What truly sets Emirates apart this year is its autism-friendly certification program. More than 30,000 of its employees have been trained to assist travelers with autism and sensory sensitivities, making the airline one of the first in the world to offer inclusive service at this scale.
Delta Air Lines Wins Best U.S. Airline
In the United States, Delta Air Lines (DL) took home the title of Best U.S. Airline for the second consecutive year. The Atlanta-based carrier earned the most awards overall—five in total—showing its consistent commitment to improving the passenger experience.
Forbes praised Delta for its strong operational performance, modern aircraft cabins, and creative inflight offerings. The airline has also introduced free Wi-Fi on most flights and continues to invest in upgraded lounges across major airports.
Its new First Class seats on the Airbus A321neo are another reason behind the win. The seats come with memory foam, better legroom, and personalized lighting.
Food options have also been elevated, with partnerships that include Shake Shack and Taittinger Champagne, a touch rarely seen on domestic U.S. routes.
Delta’s recognition shows that U.S. carriers are catching up fast in global hospitality, thanks to steady investments in technology, service, and employee training.
Changi Airport Still the World’s Best
Changi Airport remains unmatched when it comes to the passenger experience. For years, it has been called the world’s best airport, and the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide awards confirm that reputation.
Changi isn’t just a transport hub—it’s an attraction in itself. The airport’s Jewel complex features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery.
Travelers can visit butterfly gardens, a rooftop swimming pool, art galleries, and even a 24-hour movie theater while waiting for their flights.
Qatar Airways and Emirates Dominate Premium Cabins
When it comes to luxury inflight travel, Qatar Airways (QR) and Emirates continue to set global standards.
Qatar Airways was named the Best International Business Class for its Qsuites, which allow passengers to convert their seats into private suites or even connect them for families or groups.
Each Qsuite offers sliding doors, comfortable bedding, and elegant design that rivals First Class on many airlines.
Emirates, meanwhile, received another top honor—Best International First Class—thanks to its unmatched privacy and service. Its fully enclosed suites, caviar service, and cabin design inspired by Mercedes-Benz make it one of the most exclusive flying experiences in the world.
Airports and Lounges Redefining Travel
The Forbes Travel Guide awards also recognized airports that are transforming how passengers experience travel on the ground.
In the United States, New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) won Best U.S. Airport. Once known for long lines and outdated terminals, LaGuardia has undergone a massive $8 billion renovation.
The new design features open spaces, more natural light, and local dining options like H&H Bagels and Junior’s Cheesecake. Forbes called it one of the most successful airport makeovers in the world.
Meanwhile, Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) received attention for its Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, which was named Best Independent Airport Lounge. Combining luxury dining and design, the lounge reflects Qatar’s growing influence in global travel luxury.
For branded airline lounges, the Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai and Delta One Lounge at New York-JFK were both honored. Reviewers praised their fine dining, spa-style showers, and peaceful environments—perfect for passengers preparing for long-haul flights.
Other Notable Winners
A few other airlines also stood out in this year’s rankings. Air France won the award for Best Inflight Culinary Collaboration, thanks to its partnership with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, who creates seasonal menus served on fine French tableware.
Air New Zealand took home the Innovation of the Year award for its Skycouch feature, which allows passengers to convert a row of three economy seats into a flat sleeping surface. This clever idea offers budget travelers a taste of comfort without paying for premium cabins.
Bottom Line
Emirates, Delta, and Singapore Changi Airport have proven that world-class travel is built on details—warm service, thoughtful design, and comfort that make passengers feel valued.
