Emirates bags 'Best Airline Worldwide' award

Emirates has been named 'Best Airline Worldwide' at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards, while also receiving honours for Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East for its First-Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport.

The long-running Business Traveller Middle East Awards are among the region’s most respected travel industry honours, recognising excellence across the business travel sector, with winners determined through nominations and votes cast by Business Traveller Middle East readers. Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the awards on behalf of the airline.

The wins reflect Emirates’ commitment to enhancing the customer experience, both in the air and on the ground. With 219 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s undergoing complete refurbishment, the airline’s fleet retrofit programme continues to accelerate, while ongoing new Airbus A350 deliveries bring its latest cabin products and technologies to a growing share of its global network of nearly 140 destinations.

The renovated aircraft and new Airbus A350s now serve over 70 Emirates global destinations, delivering a more elevated and consistent inflight experience for customers travelling to, from, or through Dubai.

Emirates’ First Class sets the benchmark for luxury air travel, with enclosed private suites, a dine-on-demand menu featuring regionally inspired cuisine, unlimited caviar paired with Dom Pérignon champagne, luxurious loungewear and amenity kits by Bulgari, premium skincare products from Byredo, Shower Spa and the Onboard Lounge on the A380, and many other thoughtfully curated amenities.

The premium experience, whether in First or Business Class, extends beyond the cabin with chauffeur-drive services in close to 90 Emirates’ destinations, priority airport services, and access to Emirates Lounges in more than 30 destinations worldwide.

Continued investment across its products, services, and network keeps Emirates firmly ahead of the curve.