Air India tops India in 2026 Skytrax airline awards

Air India has been recognised as India's best airline at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The airline claimed the top spot this year, overtaking IndiGo, which ranked second. Akasa Air retained its third position, while SriLankan Airlines dropped from third to fifth.

Air India also received the award for the world's second most improved airline in 2026. IndiGo, meanwhile, was recognised as the best low-cost airline in India and South Asia. It also received awards for the best cabin crew in South Asia and the cleanest airline.

Assessment based on passenger experience

The rankings in the Skytrax World Airline Awards are determined through an annual global passenger satisfaction survey. They are not based on an assessment conducted by Skytrax's editorial team. Various aspects of passengers' travel experiences are considered in the survey.

These include cabin cleanliness, in-flight internet facilities, airport services and lounges, as well as passenger services in economy, business and first class.

Citizens of more than 100 countries participated in the survey for the 2026 awards. Conducted from September 2025 to August 2026, the survey collected 24.8 million eligible responses from travellers. More than 300 airlines worldwide were covered by the survey.

Bangladesh's representation in South Asian aviation

The 2026 Skytrax list of notable airlines in India and South Asia includes Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India Express, SriLankan Airlines, SpiceJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines and Maldivian.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country's national flag carrier, is included in the list, giving Bangladesh representation in the regional South Asian aviation sector.

Singapore Airlines takes global top spot

In the global ranking, Singapore Airlines was named the world's best airline for 2026. This marks the sixth time the airline has secured the top position since the Skytrax awards were introduced in 1999.

Qatar Airways ranked second among the world's top five airlines, followed by Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways in third, Japan's ANA All Nippon Airways in fourth and Turkish Airlines in fifth.

Along with being named the world's best airline, Singapore Airlines also received awards for the world's best economy-class service and the best economy-class onboard catering.

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines' low-cost subsidiary Scoot was named the world's best long-haul low-cost airline for the sixth consecutive time.

This year's Skytrax results also highlight the competitive landscape in Asia's aviation sector. Air India's rise to the top and IndiGo's awards in multiple categories have particularly highlighted the importance of service quality and passenger experience in India's aviation sector.