In a remarkable shift within the aviation industry, Korean Air has clinched the title of ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2025, dethroning Qatar Airways after a prolonged reign at the top. This prestigious recognition, announced by AirlineRatings.com, highlights Korean Air’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for economy passengers, setting a new standard in an industry often criticized for overcrowding cabins. As the landscape of air travel evolves, this accolade not only underscores the importance of passenger comfort but also signifies the dynamic competition among global airlines. Join us as we explore the rankings and the factors that propelled Korean Air to this esteemed position.
| Rank | Airline | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Korean Air | South Korea | Named ‘Airline of the Year’ 2025, focused on economy passengers. |
| 2 | Qatar Airways | Qatar | Previous leader, dropped to second place. |
| 3 | Air New Zealand | New Zealand | Ranked third in 2025. |
| 4 | Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 5 | Singapore Airlines | Singapore | Ranked fifth, won multiple awards in 2024. |
| 6 | Emirates | UAE | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 7 | Japan Airlines | Japan | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 8 | Qantas | Australia | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 9 | Etihad Airways | UAE | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 10 | Turkish Airlines | Turkey | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 11 | EVA Air | Taiwan | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 12 | Fiji Airways | Fiji | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 13 | Virgin Atlantic | UK | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 14 | ANA | Japan | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 15 | Aeromexico | Mexico | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 16 | Air Caraïbes | France | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 17 | Thai Airways | Thailand | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 18 | STARLUX Airlines | Taiwan | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 19 | Vietnam Airlines | Vietnam | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 20 | SriLankan Airlines | Sri Lanka | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 21 | Air France | France | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 22 | KLM | Netherlands | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 23 | Air Calin | New Caledonia | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
| 24 | Air Mauritius | Mauritius | Included in the top 25 airlines list. |
| 25 | Garuda Indonesia | Indonesia | Part of the top 25 airlines list. |
Korean Air’s Rise to the Top
Korean Air has achieved the prestigious title of ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2025, marking a significant milestone in its history. This honor ended Qatar Airways’ long-standing reign at the top, showcasing the South Korean carrier’s dedication to enhancing economy travel for its passengers. By focusing on passenger comfort while maintaining affordability, Korean Air has captured the attention of travelers worldwide, setting a new standard in the airline industry.
The recognition from AirlineRatings.com highlights Korean Air’s strategic choices, which prioritize customer satisfaction over merely increasing seat capacity. Unlike many airlines that have added extra seats to maximize profits, Korean Air has opted to provide more space and comfort, making it a favorite among economy passengers. This thoughtful approach, combined with their recent merger with Asiana Airlines, has solidified their position as a leading airline in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Korean Air named ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2025?
Korean Air earned the title for its focus on economy passengers and maintaining comfort, unlike many airlines that increased seating capacity.
What factors are considered in the airline rankings?
AirlineRatings.com considers passenger feedback, expert reviews, onboard product quality, innovation, and fleet advancements in their rankings.
Which airline was previously ranked first before Korean Air?
Qatar Airways held the top position before Korean Air claimed ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2025.
What is unique about Korean Air’s economy seating?
Korean Air chose not to add extra seats in economy, ensuring a more comfortable experience for passengers.
Who ranked third in the ‘World’s Best Airlines’ category?
Air New Zealand secured the third position in the ‘World’s Best Airlines’ category of 2025.
What awards did Singapore Airlines win in 2024?
In 2024, Singapore Airlines won ‘Best International Airline’ and ‘Best First Class’ awards from Travel + Leisure.
What is the purpose of these airline awards?
These awards help travelers identify the best airlines for quality, value, and safety, based on expert assessments.
Summary
Korean Air has been awarded ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2025, surpassing Qatar Airways, which held the top spot for many years. This recognition by AirlineRatings.com highlights Korean Air’s commitment to providing comfort for economy passengers. Qatar Airways fell to second place, with Air New Zealand in third. The rankings also featured Singapore Airlines and its budget airline Scoot. Korean Air’s decision to avoid cramming more seats into economy cabins and its merger with Asiana Airlines played a significant role in its success. The awards emphasize quality, safety, and passenger experiences.
