Emirates Soars to the Top Again, Winning ‘Best International Airline’ and More in 2025

Emirates, the airline synonymous with premium flying, has just added another string of accolades to its already bulging trophy cabinet—confirming its reputation as a world leader in luxury air travel. This October, the Dubai-based carrier was crowned ‘Best International Airline,’ ‘Best International First Class,’ and ‘Best International Airline Lounge’ by the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards, alongside further honours from the World Travel Awards, The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards, and the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.

For the second year in a row, Emirates has been voted ‘Best International Airline’ by 9,000 frequent fliers and hospitality insiders, scoring top marks for its continually refined passenger experience. Forbes credited Emirates’ luxurious check-in lounge for First Class and Skywards Platinum members, its operational excellence, and its role as the first autism-certified airline—with over 30,000 staff trained to support travellers with autism.

Adding to the international prestige, The Times and The Sunday Times also named Emirates their ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ for 2025 out of a mammoth 900,000 reader votes. Commendations included Emirates’ exceptional cabin crew, sumptuous First Class suites (with showers!), and iconic Airbus A380 fleet. The Times further noted the airline’s ongoing expansion, with new routes like Shenzhen (China) and Siem Reap (Cambodia) added this year.

The Emirates juggernaut didn’t stop there—Conde Nast readers scored Emirates an impressive 87.86 in the Best Airline category, and it also picked up the title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand’ at the 2025 World Travel Awards.

First Class in a League of Its Own

Emirates is also officially the globe’s largest provider of international First Class travel, operating 26,800 First Class suites each week. These aren’t just any airline seats—think floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity reclining, Bulgari amenity kits, movie snacks, caviar, and dedicated airport lounge havens. The Forbes Awards crowned Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER First Class as the best in the business, highlighting the fully enclosed suites, signature chauffeured transfers, and world-class airport lounges featuring spa treatments, gourmet food, and even direct boarding.

This year’s wins also include:

• ‘Best International First Class Lounge’ at the World Travel Awards regional finals
• ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Telegraph Travel Awards
• ‘Most Recommended Global Brand’ by YouGov
• 12th consecutive Best Airline Worldwide at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards
• Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East
• Best Global Airline Loyalty Program (Emirates Skywards) at the International Loyalty Awards

Why Emirates Remains the Airline to Beat

It’s not just about luxury—Emirates wins for continual innovation, world-class service, and a commitment to accessibility for every traveller. From direct-boarding lounges and premium suites to new destination launches and a leading loyalty program, every detail reinforces why so many flyers around the globe choose Emirates year after year.

If you’re planning overseas travel and want the best in comfort, cuisine and service, it’s worth checking out what Emirates has to offer—there’s never been a better (or more awarded) time to fly with them. Discover more or book your next journey at the Emirates website.