The world’s best airlines for 2025 have been named in prestigious rankings, with Korean Air top in the ‘full service’ category.
It is named Airline of the Year 2025 by Australian-based company AirlineRatings.com, which praises its ‘exceptional focus on passenger comfort’.
AirlineRatings.com says the awards are ‘centred on passenger comfort, feedback, and product consistency across an airline’s route network’, adding: ‘These awards are not a popularity contest; rather, each airline is thoroughly evaluated based on what it offers passengers throughout its fleet and network.’
The runner-up spot in the 25-strong full-service list goes to Qatar Airways, with Air New Zealand third and Cathay Pacific fourth. British Airways fails to make the cut, but Virgin Atlantic flies the flag for the UK, coming a very respectable 13th.
AirAsia triumphs in the low-cost ranking, with Jetstar second, AirBaltic third, HK Express fourth and easyJet claiming fifth. Ryanair, despite being frequently derided, comes seventh, after FlyDubai (sixth).
Lavishing praise on Korean Air, AirlineRatings.com says: ‘Korean Air won the Airline of the Year 2025 for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in economy class, where it maintains industry-leading seat pitches of 33–34 inches on wide-body aircraft.
The world’s best airlines for 2025 have been named in prestigious rankings, with Korean Air (above two pictures) top in the ‘full service’ category
Qatar Airways has been named as the world’s No.2 airline
Air New Zealand comes third in the full-service ranking, which is ‘centred on passenger comfort and product consistency’
‘Unlike many competitors, the airline has resisted reducing seat space, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience.
‘Korean Air’s thoughtful touches, such as slippers and generous meal portions on long-haul flights, enhanced its appeal.
‘Beyond passenger experience, the airline’s financial stability, groundbreaking merger with Asiana Airlines, and significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft showcased its commitment to innovation and future readiness, solidifying its win.’
The rest of the full-service top 10 comprises Singapore Airlines (fifth), Emirates (sixth), Japan Airlines (seventh), Qantas (eighth), Etihad (ninth) and Turkish Airlines (10th).
Cathay Pacific is named as the world’s fourth-best airline. Above is its all-new business class seat
Revealing the criteria for the 20-strong low-cost ranking, AirlineRatings says: ‘For the top 20 low-cost airlines of 2025, we consider airlines that offer a combination of affordable on-board services, such as meals, drinks, and snacks.
‘Additional services like Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment may be available for purchase.
‘The highest-ranked low-cost carriers offer exceptionally low base fares and maintain an excellent route network.
‘These airlines must also meet rigorous safety standards, including a seven-star safety rating.’
The rest of the top 10 is made up of Scoot (eighth), Breeze (ninth) and Southwest (10th).
For more visit www.airlineratings.com/articles/worlds-best-airlines-for-2025.
Easyjet has been named as the fifth-best low-cost carrier on the planet
Ryanair, despite being frequently derided, comes seventh in the low-cost ranking