This Asian airline just flew past Emirates to be named the world’s best in 2025

Singapore Airlines has clinched the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, surpassing Middle Eastern aviation giants Qatar Airways and Emirates, which secured the second and third positions, respectively.

The list is based on Travel + Leisure readers and frequent flyers who rated international airlines for providing a relaxing journey at 35,000 feet and exceptional, over-the-top service.

Middle Eastern airlines dominated the rankings, claiming the No. 2, No. 3, and No. 9 positions. Japan also performed strongly, with two airlines placing at No. 4 and No. 5. While the top spot remained unchanged from last year (more on that below), the rest of the list experienced significant shifts, including new entries like Virgin Atlantic Airways and Fiji Airways in 2025.

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Japan’s largest carrier, All Nippon Airways (ANA), ranked No. 4, receiving praise for having the “best seats across the Pacific, good lounges, and stellar service.” One passenger highlighted the exceptional hospitality, saying, “Flight attendants were so nice and helped make the very long flight more enjoyable.”

It’s worth noting that no Indian airline featured on the list.

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Why is Singapore Airlines the best?

As per the travel publication, Singapore Airlines has one of the best track records in the business. In addition to securing the No. 1 spot in the ranking this year, the airline was rated No. 1 in the 2024 World’s Best Awards and is a Hall of Fame honoree, meaning it has been on the “best of” list for 10 consecutive years.

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The carrier was also recognised for having the world’s best cabin crew at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards (known as “the Oscars of the aviation industry”). It helps that the Singapore Airlines’ hub airport, Changi Airport (SIN), is easily one of the best airports in the world.