Singapore Airlines named 2026 world’s best, Thai Airways No. 20

BANGKOK — Thai Airways has risen to 20th place in Skytrax’s World’s Top 100 Airlines 2026, up from 29th last year.

Singapore Airlines was named the world’s best airline, followed by Qatar Airways in second place and Cathay Pacific Airways in third, according to the 2026 World Airline Awards.

Thai Airways also placed ninth among the best airlines in Asia. The airline ranked seventh for the world’s best airport services, 10th for the world’s best airline cabin crew and ninth for best airline staff in Asia.

It also ranked 15th for the world’s best economy class.

Skytrax said the World Airline Awards are based on a global passenger satisfaction survey covering more than 300 airlines. The 2026 survey was conducted from September 2025 to August 2026 and included passengers from more than 100 nationalities.

The survey evaluates different aspects of the passenger experience, including booking and check-in, staff service, boarding, airport lounges, seat comfort, cleanliness, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi and value for money.

Thai Airways’ 2026 rankings represent an improvement across several categories from the previous year, including its rise from 29th to 20th in the overall global ranking.