For the first time in years, Qatar Airways is no longer the world's best airline.
Due to its commitment to economy-class comfort and maintaining comfortable legroom, Korea Airlines has acquired its airline status in 2025.
Airlineratings.com crowned Korean Airlines as “Airline of the Year” at the 2025 World's Best Airline Awards issued on February 8th.
“These awards are not popular contests or people's choice awards,” said Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airlineratings.com.
“As an airline expert, we conduct meticulous assessments of each category to help travelers identify the best airline for quality, value and safety.”
She added: “When reviewing this year’s awards, we focused on economy class as it is a place where most passengers travel.
“Many airlines have added 10 seats per row to 777 aircraft, reducing the seating pitch of the economy to 31-32 inches (from the previous 32-33 inches), but the Korean air has seen this trend. I chose not to follow.
“They maintain their original seat configuration and generous 33-34-inch seat pitch, providing a more comfortable experience for their passengers.”
According to the airline's rating platform, Air Korea offers the most spacious economy-class seating of any airline in the world.
The airline also achieved its position thanks to a thoughtful touch with larger meal sizes and sophisticated entertainment that provides improved experiences for passengers.
The CEO said this has become a key factor in selecting winners this year as he regularly receives feedback on economy-class lack of space.
Qatar Airways came in second, with New Zealand following Air.
Here is the list of the top 10 full-service airlines for 2025:
Korean air
Qatar
Air New Zealand
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Emirates
Japan Airlines
Qantas
Etihad
Turkish Airlines
