And The Award Goes To…
Manchester Airport’s global partners triumph at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026
Passengers flying from the global gateway in the North are now officially travelling with the world’s finest.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026 took place on 18 September at The Langham Hotel in London and carriers operating from Manchester Airport took home top honours. Referred to as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry’, the World Airline Awards are coveted quality accolades, respected throughout the travel industry worldwide.
Leading the awards, global partners including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates swept top honours across key international categories, reinforcing Manchester Airport as the gateway to world-class aviation.
Singapore Airlines took home the coveted World’s Best Airline award, marking the sixth time the airline has received the prestigious accolade.
Singapore’s premier airline received numerous awards throughout the night, including for Best Airline in Asia, World’s Best Economy Class, and World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering. The awards recognise the SIA Group’s commitment to service excellence, product innovation and network connectivity.
Singapore Airlines offers a daily service from Manchester to Singapore Changi Airport with seamless connections across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Award-winning Team - IMAGE: SQUK
Qatar Airways were runners in the World’s Best Airline category and also took home a number of awards including World's Best Business Class and Best Airline in the Middle East. The airline offers comfort, fine cuisine, plus a modern aircraft fleet and operates direct daily flights from Manchester to Doha.
Cathay Pacific won several awards including World's Best Airline Cabin Staff and Best Business Class Catering in Asia. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld Alliance and offers non-stop daily flights from Manchester to its primary hub at Hong Kong International Airport.
Emirates was a big winner on the night winning awards including World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment and Best First Class Airline in the Middle East. The airline operates modern, efficient and comfortable aircrafts across six continents, offering up to 21 flights per week from Manchester to Dubai.
Turkish Airlines won eight awards including Best Airline in Europe. The airline flies to more than 300 destinations in the world with a fleet of more than 300 aircraft, with up to four flights per day from Manchester to Istanbul.
Air Canada celebrated winning three awards including Best Airline in North America. Canada's largest airline operates four flights per week from Manchester to Toronto.
Virgin Atlantic was crowned Best Premium Economy Class in Europe at the awards ceremony. Famed for creating social spaces at 38,000 feet, the airline operates up to 34 flights per week from Manchester to holiday destinations including Atlanta, Barbados, Las Vegas, New York and Orlando.
Norse Atlantic Airways was declared the Best Low-Cost Airline in Northern Europe at this year’s awards. ‘The Explorer's Airline; combines budget-friendly fares with modern cabin comfort and operates up to four weekly direct flights from Manchester to Bangkok.
Hainan Airlines took home nine awards including Best Airline in China. With its high-end hospitality, premium cabin comfort and boutique service, Hainan Airlines operates up to seven flights per week from Manchester to Beijing.
Air France won five awards on the night, including World's Best First Class and Best Airline in Western Europe. The airline operates 1,500 daily flights worldwide, including up to four per day from Manchester to Paris.
Eurowings won both Best Low-Cost Airline in Germany and Best Low-Cost Airline in Western Europe at the ceremony. The budget airline, famed for its Miles & More frequent flyer programme, offers up to 22 flights per week from Manchester to Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Stuttgart.
Lufthansa picked up several awards including for Best First Class Onboard Catering. The 100 year old German airline operates up to 41 flights per week from Manchester to Frankfurt and Munich.
A350 plane that serves Manchester Airport
Other winners on the night included
EgyptAir won four awards including World's Most Improved Airline.
airBaltic picked up three awards including Best Airline in Eastern Europe.
Ethiopian Airlines celebrated winning three awards including Best Airline in Africa.
Air Transat took home two awards including World's Best Leisure Airline.
Austrian Airlines won two award wins including Best Cabin Crew in Europe.
Finnair picked up two awards including Best Airline in Northern Europe.
Saudia celebrated two award wins including Best Airline Staff in the Middle East
Vueling took home two award wins including Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) was awarded the Cleanest Airline in Europe at the ceremony.
Pegasus Airlines won the award for the Best Low-Cost Airline in Turkey.
Ryanair took home the prize as the Best Low-Cost Airline in the United Kingdom.
SunExpress was awarded the Best Leisure Airline in Europe.
TUI Airways won Best Leisure Airline in the United Kingdom.
Royal Air Maroc was declared the Best Regional Airline in Africa.
Royal Jordanian was awarded the Most Improved Airline in the Middle East.
Aegean Airlines took home Best Regional Airline in Europe.
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