Emirates is closing out 2025 in style, securing five major titles at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards in Bahrain and taking its total accolades for the year to more than 20. The airline was named World’s Leading Airline Brand, World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment for its ice system, World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme for Emirates Skywards, World’s Leading Airline – First Class, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class for its flagship lounge in Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3.
These awards highlight Emirates’ strength across the entire premium journey, from its globally recognised brand and airport lounges to its industry-leading First Class cabins and loyalty programme. Travellers can explore the full range of Emirates experiences, routes and cabin products at the official Emirates website.
A year of global recognition for Emirates
The five new World Travel Awards trophies crown an exceptional year in which Emirates collected more than 20 global honours from industry bodies and consumer-led awards. At the 2025 ULTRAs, the carrier was voted “Best Airline in the World” for the eighth consecutive year, also winning “Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class” and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation for Sir Tim Clark.
Emirates further strengthened its reputation with titles such as “Best International Airline,” “Best International First Class,” and “Best International Airline Lounge” from the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards 2025, plus “Best Long-Haul Airline” at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards. Earlier in the year, it was also recognised as “Best Long-Haul Airline” by The Telegraph Travel Awards, “2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand” by YouGov, and “Best Airline Worldwide” for the 12th consecutive year at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, alongside wins for Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East.
Innovation in inflight entertainment and customer experience
Beyond traditional airline rankings, Emirates has also been celebrated for the quality and consistency of its onboard experience and digital innovation. At the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, the airline’s ice inflight entertainment platform received the 2026 APEX Best Global Entertainment Award, while Emirates itself earned a 2026 APEX WORLD CLASS award for its overall customer experience and brand.
These honours recognise how Emirates continues to invest in new content, intuitive interfaces and a wide choice of channels on ice, alongside refined service standards in all cabins and elevated ground experiences in its dedicated lounges. The combination of award-winning entertainment, personalised service and consistently strong brand perception reinforces Emirates’ position as a global leader in full-service, long-haul travel as 2025 draws to a close.
