2025's Top Airlines: IndiGo Shines Among Low-Cost Giants
As global air travel continues to recover strongly in 2025, airlines worldwide are raising the bar through enhanced service, improved safety measures, and innovative passenger experiences. The latest Skytrax World Airline Awards reveal the most outstanding carriers across various categories, spotlighting leaders in both luxury and budget segments.
Qatar Airways Reigns Supreme Once Again
For the ninth time, Qatar Airways has been crowned the World’s Best Airline in 2025. The Doha-based carrier also dominated in multiple key categories, including Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class, and Best Inflight Entertainment. Its flagship Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport was recognized as the world’s best business class lounge, setting the gold standard for luxury travel.
Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Take Top Spots
Singapore Airlines, a five-time titleholder, ranked second this year while further earning distinctions like World’s Best Cabin Crew and World’s Best First Class. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific made a notable leap to third place, nudging Emirates and ANA All Nippon Airways down to fourth and fifth respectively.
The Skytrax Top 10 Airlines of 2025
| Rank | Airline | Country | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar Airways | Qatar | 1 |
| 2 | Singapore Airlines | Singapore | 2 |
| 3 | Cathay Pacific Airways | Hong Kong SAR | 5 |
| 4 | Emirates | United Arab Emirates | 3 |
| 5 | ANA All Nippon Airways | Japan | 4 |
| 6 | Turkish Airlines | Turkey | 7 |
| 7 | Korean Air | South Korea | 11 |
| 8 | Air France | France | 9 |
| 9 | Japan Airlines | Japan | 6 |
| 10 | Hainan Airlines | China | 12 |
Indian Airlines Making Their Mark Globally
Indian carriers have made significant strides on the global stage this year. IndiGo, the nation’s largest airline, climbed to 39th place in the world’s top 100 airlines for 2025, improving from 42nd last year. It proudly holds the title of Best Airline in South Asia and Best Low-Cost Airline in South Asia, while securing an impressive third position among the world’s best low-cost airlines.
Similarly, Air India has progressed to 84th place from 90th, ranking as the second-best airline in South Asia. These advancements suggest a positive trajectory for Indian aviation as airlines refine their services and expand their networks.
Ranking of South Asian Airlines in 2025
| Rank | Airline | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IndiGo | India |
| 2 | Air India | India |
| 3 | SriLankan Airlines | Sri Lanka |
| 4 | Akasa Air | India |
| 5 | SpiceJet | India |
| 6 | Air India Express | India |
| 7 | Maldivian | Maldives |
| 8 | Pakistan International Airlines | Pakistan |
| 9 | Biman Bangladesh Airlines | Bangladesh |
| 10 | BeOnd | Maldives |
Top Regional Airlines in South Asia
- Air India Express leads the pack
- Maldivian and Alliance Air follow closely
- Star Air and US-Bangla Airlines round out the top five
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 rankings reflect a global aviation industry that’s not just recovering but innovating to make flying more conscious of passenger needs—be it through enhanced comfort, personalized service, or better technology. Indian airlines, with their consistent improvements, are becoming serious contenders in both regional and global markets.
