Emirates dominates global skies with top travel awards

Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, continues to fly high on the global stage, adding another impressive collection of awards to its name this month. From Forbes Travel Guide to The Times, Conde Nast, and the World Travel Awards, the airline has once again proven why it’s a benchmark for excellence in luxury air travel.

For the second consecutive year, Emirates has been crowned ‘Best International Airline’ by the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards, alongside two more top honours – ‘Best International First Class’ and ‘Best International Airline Lounge.’ The recognition came after Forbes evaluated thousands of votes from frequent fliers, luxury travel advisors, and hospitality experts worldwide.

Forbes praised Emirates for its dedication to perfecting every detail of the passenger experience. The airline’s newly launched lounge-style check-in area for First Class and Skywards Platinum members, and its distinction as the world’s first autism-certified airline with over 30,000 trained staff, were key highlights of its success.

Adding to its winning streak, Emirates was voted the ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025, where over 900,000 readers cast their votes. The publication commended Emirates for its First Class suites with private showers, exceptional cabin crew service, and its fleet of Airbus A380s, calling it “a masterclass in comfort.” The airline’s growing network, including new routes to Shenzhen (China) and Siem Reap (Cambodia), also drew attention.

At the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, Emirates scored an impressive 87.86 in the Best Airline category, while the World Travel Awards 2025 (Middle East) named it the region’s leading airline brand.

Emirates’ First Class service remains unmatched, operating 26,800 First Class seats per week, all in private suite configurations. The Boeing 777-300ER First Class suites earned Forbes’ praise for their floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seats, Bulgari fragrances, and gourmet dining—from caviar to fine movie snacks. The airline also offers chauffeured transfers and direct lounge boarding, elevating every moment of travel.

Its First Class Lounge in Dubai was also recognised by Forbes as the ‘Best International Airline Lounge’, featuring fine dining, a cigar bar, spa services, and the unique privilege of boarding directly from the lounge—luxury redefined at 40,000 feet and beyond.

Earlier this year, Emirates also earned top titles at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, The Telegraph Travel Awards, and International Loyalty Awards, including Best Airline Worldwide, Best Premium Economy Class, and Best Global Airline Loyalty Program.

With an ever-expanding network, world-class service, and constant innovation, Emirates continues to set the gold standard for global aviation—where luxury, comfort, and reliability take flight together.