Emirates is wrapping up 2025 with another major industry sweep, securing five top honours at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards in Bahrain. The latest wins — which bring the airline’s tally to more than 20 accolades this year — reinforce its standing as one of the world’s leading aviation brands.
The Dubai-based carrier was named World’s Leading Airline Brand, while also taking out awards for World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment for its ice system, World’s Leading Airline – First Class, World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class for its flagship lounge at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, and World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme for Emirates Skywards.
SEE Emirates Safety, Product and Environmental rankings
These achievements cap a year marked by significant recognition across the global travel industry.
Emirates 40 years video
In November, Emirates was crowned Best Airline in the World for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs, voted on by 1.2 million travellers from the Ultratravel community. The airline also received awards for Best Premium Economy Class, while Emirates president Sir Tim Clark was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation. Aviation Business Middle East further named Emirates Best First Class of the Year and Airline of the Year.
The momentum continued with the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards, where Emirates won Best International Airline, Best International First Class, and Best International Airline Lounge. It also collected the title of Best Long-Haul Airline at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards. Sir Tim Clark added to his personal accolades with the Wings Club Foundation’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
In September, Emirates’ cabin product and customer experience earned high praise at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California. The airline collected the 2026 APEX Best™ Global Entertainment Award for its ice inflight entertainment system and a 2026 APEX WORLD CLASS™ award, recognising excellence across all aspects of service and brand experience.
Earlier in the year, the carrier picked up several prominent honours including Best Long-Haul Airline at The Telegraph Travel Awards, 2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand by YouGov, and multiple wins at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards. These included Best Airline Worldwide for the 12th consecutive year, alongside titles for Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class, and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East.
