Forbes Travel Guide has published its annual list of the best airlines and airports in the world for 2025, revealing which carriers and terminals continue to define the gold standard in comfort, service, and innovation.
The rankings are based on detailed assessments by travel experts and inspectors who evaluate each airline and airport for safety, design, and overall passenger experience.
This year’s awards feature 18 global winners across key categories, including in-flight service, cabin design, innovation, and lounge excellence.
Emirates Tops Global Rankings
Dubai-based Emirates has once again been crowned the world’s best international airline, praised for its unmatched luxury and attention to passenger comfort.
Its First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER offers fully enclosed private suites, floor-to-ceiling doors, and personal minibars, with the option to video-call cabin crew from the comfort of your seat.
Passengers are treated to Bulgari amenity kits and gourmet meals created by top chefs, served with vintage champagne—a signature Emirates touch.
Focus on Inclusion and Accessibility
What sets Emirates apart this year is its autism-friendly certification program. Over 30,000 employees have completed training to support travellers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
The initiative makes Emirates one of the first global carriers to integrate inclusive service into every aspect of its operation.
Forbes reviewers described it as a major leap forward for accessibility in luxury air travel.
Delta Air Lines Wins Best U.S. Airline
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines retained its title as Best U.S. Airline for the second consecutive year.
The carrier received five separate awards, reflecting its consistency in customer care and operational performance.
Delta’s modern Airbus A321neo First Class seats—equipped with memory foam, ambient lighting, and extra legroom—earned special praise from reviewers.
Innovation in the Sky
Delta’s introduction of free Wi-Fi on most flights and investment in premium lounges across major U.S. airports helped secure its dominance in the category.
The airline has also partnered with Shake Shack and Taittinger Champagne to elevate onboard dining, bringing fine-dining elements to domestic routes.
Forbes noted that Delta’s focus on technology and comfort indicates that U.S. carriers are narrowing the gap with international rivals.
Changi Airport Leads Again
Singapore’s Changi Airport continues its reign as the world’s best airport, celebrated for its unique combination of luxury, leisure, and design.
The airport’s Jewel complex—featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall—remains a landmark in global aviation architecture.
Travellers can enjoy butterfly gardens, a rooftop swimming pool, art exhibitions, and even a 24-hour cinema before boarding their flights.
Airport Experiences Reimagined
Forbes praised Changi’s focus on making the airport a destination in itself, blending efficiency with relaxation.
Passengers said the experience makes even long layovers feel like part of the journey rather than an inconvenience.
LaGuardia’s Remarkable Transformation
In the United States, New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) was named Best U.S. Airport after completing an $8 billion modernization project.
Once criticized for its outdated terminals, LaGuardia now offers open layouts, natural light, and local cuisine from Junior’s Cheesecake and H&H Bagels.
Forbes described it as “one of the most impressive airport revivals of the decade.”
Doha’s Hamad International Wins Luxury Honour
In Qatar, Hamad International Airport (DOH) earned global attention for its Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, named Best Independent Airport Lounge.
Combining haute cuisine with design excellence, the space reinforces Doha’s growing reputation as a world leader in luxury travel.
Premium Lounges Redefine Comfort
Among branded airline lounges, Emirates’ First Class Lounge in Dubai and Delta’s new One Lounge at JFK were recognised for spa-level amenities and fine dining.
Both spaces were commended for offering peaceful environments tailored for long-haul travellers seeking privacy and rest.
Qatar Airways and Emirates Dominate Premium Cabins
Forbes also awarded Qatar Airways’ Qsuite as Best International Business Class, calling it “the most versatile and private business cabin in the world.”
Each Qsuite offers sliding doors, ambient lighting, and configurable seating for families or groups.
Emirates retained Best International First Class, credited for its fully enclosed suites and design inspired by Mercedes-Benz luxury interiors.
Innovation and Culinary Excellence
Air France received the Best In-Flight Culinary Collaboration award for its partnership with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.
Meals are crafted using seasonal ingredients and presented with signature French flair on fine tableware.
Air New Zealand won Innovation of the Year for its Skycouch, a design that transforms a row of three economy seats into a flat bed for two.
Aviation’s New Era of Excellence
Forbes said the 2025 list underscores a shift toward detail-driven hospitality, inclusivity, and sustainability.
The winning airlines and airports were commended for delivering consistent quality while adapting to evolving traveller expectations.
Raising the Bar in Global Travel
Analysts say the latest rankings will put competitive pressure on carriers to keep innovating across both service and design.
As aviation rebounds globally, travellers now expect more than efficiency—they want comfort, creativity, and care.
Bottom Line
Emirates, Delta, and Changi Airport continue to define the pinnacle of international travel.
Their success proves that world-class aviation is not just about getting passengers to destinations, but about making every journey memorable.