Korean Air Crowned World’s Best Airline for 2025 by Airline Ratings

Korean Air has been named the world’s best airline for 2025 by Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings.com.

The South Korean flag carrier claimed the prestigious title due to its commitment to passenger comfort, superior service quality, and industry-leading safety standards. Korean Air’s triumph dethrones last year’s winner, Qatar Airways, which now secures second place in the rankings.

Top 10 Best Airlines for 2025

According to Airline Ratings the top 10 full-service airlines for 2025 are

1. Korean Air – Recognized for its spacious economy class seating and commitment to passenger satisfaction.
2. Qatar Airways – The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar remains a strong contender with award-winning business class services.
3. Air New Zealand – The airline that previously held the top spot in 2023 continues to excel in innovation and sustainability.
4. Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong’s premier airline, expanding its European network in 2025.
5. Singapore Airlines – Renowned for its world-class in-flight service and premium cabins.
6. Emirates – A leader in luxury air travel, offering unparalleled first-class experiences.
7. Japan Airlines – Maintains high standards in economy seating and passenger convenience.
8. Qantas – Australia’s flagship carrier, known for its excellent safety record and top-tier airport lounges.
9. Etihad Airways – Recently applauded for reducing CO2 emissions by 25% since 2019.
10. Turkish Airlines – Turkey’s national carrier continues to offer an extensive global network and premium services.

Why Korean Air Took the Top Spot

Korean Air’s win is largely attributed to its focus on passenger comfort. Unlike many airlines that have added extra seats to their aircraft, Korean Air maintains generous seat pitch and width in its economy class. The airline’s recent merger with Asiana Airlines has further strengthened its fleet and service offerings, solidifying its dominance in Asian aviation.

According to AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen, “Korean Air has consistently put passengers first, from seating arrangements to overall customer experience. Their decision to prioritize passenger comfort over profit-driven seating changes sets them apart in the industry.”

Best Low-Cost and Hybrid Airlines

Airline Ratings  also ranked the top low-cost and hybrid airlines for 2025

• Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia retained its title as the world’s leading budget airline, followed by Jetstar and Air Baltic.
• Best Hybrid Airline: JetBlue topped the new Hybrid Airlines category, with WestJet and Virgin Australia securing second and third place, respectively.

The Future of Air Travel in 2025

As airlines continue to navigate post-pandemic challenges, sustainability, passenger experience, and operational efficiency remain key factors in determining industry leaders. Korean Air’s recognition as the world’s best airline for 2025 underscores the growing demand for customer-centric air travel solutions.

For travelers seeking superior in-flight service, exceptional comfort, and top-tier safety, Korean Air sets the gold standard for global aviation in 2025.