The countdown begins for the 2026 World Airline Awards

As the latest annual survey comes to a close, the countdown is on for the 2026 World Airline Awards, when the world’s leading airlines will gather in London for one of the most anticipated events in the global air travel calendar.

On 18th September 2026, the World Airline Awards will be presented at The Langham Hotel, London, bringing together airline CEOs, Chairman, Presidents and senior executives to recognise excellence in customer experience.

As London’s first Grand Hotel, The Langham has welcomed royalty, world leaders and distinguished guests since opening in 1865. Its rich heritage and timeless elegance provide a fitting backdrop for this year’s ceremony.

The World Airline Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the aviation industry, are based on survey responses from millions of travellers worldwide. Free of airline sponsorship or commercial influence, the awards recognise airlines delivering the highest standards of customer experience across the whole travel experience. All costs associated with the survey programme and the World Airline Awards ceremony are paid by SKYTRAX, with no charges made to participating airlines.

More than 70 awards will be presented, including the coveted World’s Best Airline title, alongside honours for the Best First Class, Best Business Class, Best Premium Economy, Best Economy Class, Best Airport Services, Best Cabin Crew, Airline lounges – and many more.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: “The World Airline Awards provide a welcome opportunity for airline leaders from around the world to step away from the standard business environment, and celebrate the achievements of the past year. At a time when the industry continues to navigate many global challenges, it will be particularly rewarding to recognise those airlines that have earned the trust and appreciation of their customers.”

As airlines continue to evolve their products and services in response to changing passenger expectations, the World Airline Awards provide an independent measure to highlight which investments are making the greatest difference to customers. The winners announced in London will reflect the views of the people who matter most – the travelling public.

The countdown has begun……..

Attending the Awards event

Entry to the awards is by invitation only, and is open to airline management and aviation media. For any enquiries, please send your details using our Contact Page.

About the World Airline Awards

The World Airline Awards began in 1999, when Skytrax launched its first global, annual airline customer satisfaction survey. They are referred to as the Oscars of the aviation industry.

The awards survey process is not restricted to member airlines or a pre-selected choice of airline, and any airline in the world can be nominated. There are no survey entry fees, no payment to attend the awards event, and no charges for any use of the award logos and results by winning airlines. The customer survey is provided in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese language options.