3 GCC airlines rank among Airline Ratings’ global top 10

Three major Gulf carriers have been named among the world’s top 10 airlines for 2026, according to the latest rankings released by AirlineRatings.com on 18 March. 

 

Qatar Airways secured the top position in the full-service category, with AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen citing the airline’s “value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class” as key to its win.

 

UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways placed eighth and tenth, respectively, with both airlines ranking lower year-on-year. Emirates fell two places from sixth, while Etihad dropped one position.

 

Asia-Pacific airlines dominated the top 10, with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, STARLUX Airlines and Japan Airlines placing between second and sixth. Turkish Airlines ranked seventh, followed by Air New Zealand in ninth.

 

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3 Gulf airlines rank among world’s safest in 2026

 

The rankings are based on in-flight product and passenger experience, with awards selected by the AirlineRatings.com team using measurable onboard criteria rather than public voting.

 

Earlier in 2026, the organisation also released its World’s Safest Airlines list, where the same three Gulf carriers featured prominently. Etihad claimed the top spot, while Qatar Airways and Emirates ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

 

Despite conflict in the region, the GCC continues to strengthen its position in global aviation, supported by high-performing airports across the region with hubs in Dubai, Riyadh and Bahrain ranking within the top 20 of Skytrax’s 2026 World Airport Awards.

 

Bahrain International Airport was also recognised for having the best airport staff and cleanest airport in the Middle East, while Saudi’s King Khalid International Airport was recognised as the world’s most improved airport by Skytrax.

 

For more information, visit airlineratings.com