The Dubai-based airline has been named Best International Airline for a third consecutive year.
Emirates has once again been named Best International Airline at Forbes Travel Guide’s Verified Air Travel Awards, holding the title for the third year in a row. The airline picked up three awards in total this year, more than any other international carrier on the list.
Now in their third edition, the awards recognize airlines and airports that offer passengers the highest standards of service, comfort and style. The 2026 list covers 18 categories, ranging from the best first-class cabins and business-class seats to airport dining, loyalty programs and private terminal experiences.
Winners were chosen through an invitation-only survey of nearly 9,000 well-traveled hospitality professionals, including luxury travel advisors, leaders of Forbes Travel Guide Star-Rated hotels, and the company’s own inspectors and trainers. The results were then validated by Forbes Travel Guide. These awards are separate from its Star Ratings, which are based on professional inspections.
“The Verified Air Travel Awards reflect the experiences and opinions of some of the world’s most discerning travelers,” said Hermann Elger, Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide.
Emirates Wins Best International Airline for Third Consecutive Year
Alongside the top airline title, Emirates won Best International First Class for its First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER and Best International Airport Lounge for its First Class Lounge in Dubai.
The airline’s First Class suites on the 777-300ER are fully enclosed, with a zero-gravity leather seat, mood lighting, room service and Bvlgari amenity kits. In Dubai, the First Class Lounge in Concourse C offers spa showers, three-course dining and direct boarding to the aircraft.
Emirates has also been investing in its economy cabin. In July, it introduced the U-Dream Headrest, a padded and flexible headrest designed for greater comfort on long flights, and it plans to add an electric, full-height privacy screen to premium economy on its Airbus A350 fleet.
Gulf aviation had a strong showing overall. Qatar Airways won Best International Business Class for its Qsuites on the Airbus A350-1000, while the Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno at Doha’s Hamad International Airport was named Best Independent Airport Lounge.
Delta, Singapore Changi and Air New Zealand Among Top Honorees
In the United States, Delta Air Lines was named Best U.S. Airline for the third straight year and collected six awards in total, the most of any carrier. Its wins included Best U.S. First Class, Best U.S. Business Class for Delta One, Best Loyalty Program for SkyMiles and Best Airline App.
Singapore Changi Airport was named Best International Airport and also took the award for Best Airport Dining, while New York’s LaGuardia Airport retained the title of Best U.S. Airport.
Air New Zealand’s Economy Skynest, which gives economy passengers access to lie-flat sleeping pods, was named Innovation of the Year.
Winners will be celebrated at The Summit, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual gathering of luxury travel and hospitality leaders, which takes place in Monaco from February 23 to 26, 2027.
Full List of 2026 Verified Air Travel Award Winners
- Best International Airline: Emirates
- Best U.S. Airline: Delta Air Lines
- Best Small Airline: JSX
- Best International Airport: Singapore Changi Airport
- Best U.S. Airport: LaGuardia Airport
- Best International First Class: Emirates First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER
- Best U.S. First Class: Delta Air Lines First Class on the Airbus A321neo
- Best International Business Class: Qatar Airways Qsuites on the Airbus A350-1000
- Best U.S. Business Class: Delta One
- Best Independent Airport Lounge: Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, Hamad International Airport
- Best International Airport Lounge: Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai
- Best U.S. Airline Lounge: Delta One Lounge, JFK Airport
- Best Airport Dining: Singapore Changi Airport
- Best In-Flight Culinary Collaboration: Air France and Daniel Boulud
- Innovation of the Year: Air New Zealand Economy Skynest
- Best Private Airport Experience: The Windsor by Heathrow, London
- Best Loyalty Program: Delta SkyMiles
- Best Airline App: Fly Delta
Stay tuned for more updates and news!
