Air travel can be seamless—or deeply frustrating. Based on traveler votes compiled by Skytrax, we highlight the 10 most trusted airlines of 2025. On the other hand, AirHelp, the global leader in passenger rights and flight compensation, reveals the 10 worst performers. Whether you’re chasing service excellence or trying to avoid travel trouble, this guide will help you separate the high-flyers from the letdowns.
Here are the top 10 airlines.
Qatar Airways
Crowned the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time in 2025 by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways stands as a model of reliability and luxury. Qatar Airways operates a young fleet and offers award-winning service. Its network spans six continents.
The Doha-based airline earns traveler trust through its commitment to comfort, innovation, and consistent quality. Whether for business or pleasure, Qatar Airways remains a trusted choice, consistently delivering a seamless and refined travel experience.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is known for its strong emphasis on customer service and modern fleet management. Operating over 180 aircraft through its leading brand and budget subsidiary, Scoot, the airline reaches more than 110 destinations.
Its fleet, averaging under seven years, includes fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380, which are selected for both operational efficiency and environmental impact. SIA invests substantially in technology upgrades, cabin retrofits, and menu development, maintaining a competitive edge in passenger experience and global connectivity.
Cathay Pacific Airways
Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific operates flights to over 200 destinations across five continents, supported by a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft. As one of the founding members of the oneworld alliance, the airline benefits from global partnerships and connectivity.
Its safety standards reflect compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, supported by rigorous maintenance practices and an experienced engineering team. Cathay Pacific’s strong safety record and continued investment in operational integrity make it a trusted choice for international travel.
Emirates
Based in Dubai, Emirates operates a fleet of 262 aircraft and serves 152 destinations across six continents. The airline has earned a 7-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, reflecting its rigorous maintenance protocols, pilot training, and adherence to international safety regulations.
Known for its modern aircraft and reliable service, Emirates remains a strong presence in global aviation.
ANA All Nippon Airways
Founded in 1952, ANA has grown from a modest helicopter operation into Japan’s largest airline, operating 82 international and 118 domestic routes. Its dual hub model in Tokyo—via Narita and Haneda—enhances connectivity across Japan and major cities in North America and Asia.
ANA holds a 5-Star Airline certification for its consistently high-quality onboard and airport services, encompassing everything from seating and entertainment to the professionalism of its cabin and ground staff.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines earns trust through its extensive global network and strategic partnerships. Its long-standing operational history, dating back to 1933, and wide international coverage—more extensive than any other carrier—make it a dependable choice for global travelers.
While rated as a 4-star airline for service and product quality, its short-haul offerings consistently outperform those of regional peers, further enhancing its credibility. Consistent investment in fleet expansion and safety standards further reinforces its reputation as a reliable international operator.
Korean Air
Headquartered in Seoul, with its hub at Incheon Airport, the company operates a fleet of 169 aircraft serving 125 destinations across 44 countries. Certified as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax, Korean Air consistently delivers high-quality service and onboard comfort across all travel classes, with particular praise for its professional cabin crew and high standards in Economy class.
Its integrated operations in passenger, cargo, aerospace, catering, and in-flight sales reinforce its reputation for reliability and excellence in global aviation.
Air France
Air France, part of the Air France-KLM Group since 2004, operates 1,500 daily flights and serves a vast network of 312 destinations across 116 countries. With hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, it remains a key player in global air transport.
Certified as a 4-Star Airline by Skytrax, Air France is recognized for its high-quality seating, amenities, in-flight entertainment, and service standards, both onboard and on the ground.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) is a leading global carrier with a fleet of over 230 aircraft, serving 95 destinations across 20 territories. JAL is renowned for upholding traditional Japanese hospitality while maintaining the best standards of flight safety and service quality.
In 2024, JAL was recognized as the top airline in the Asia-Pacific region for On-time Performance, with 80.90% of 314,774 flights arriving punctually despite severe disruptions caused by Typhoons Ampil and Shanshan. This achievement reflects its operational strength and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines has grown into a prominent international carrier with over 400 aircraft and 24 operational bases. Its expansive network spans China, Asia, Europe, North America, and the South Pacific.
Recognized as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax, Hainan Airlines maintains high standards in both Business and Economy Class, offering quality seating, dining, and attentive staff service. Efficient airport operations and HNA-branded lounges at select hubs further enhance the passenger experience, reinforcing its reputation for consistent product excellence and global connectivity.
Here are the 10 worst airlines.
Tunisair
Tunisair, Tunisia’s national carrier, currently holds the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s lowest-ranked airline with an AirHelp Score of 3.63. It is plagued by chronic delays (on-time score: 4.7), poor claim processing (score: 0.2), and recent operational meltdowns that have led to stranded passengers and a leadership shakeup.
While its customer opinion score of 6.0 shows some resilience, persistent technical issues and government intervention highlight its ongoing struggle to restore reliability and trust.
Buzz
Buzz, a Polish budget airline under Ryanair Holdings, ranks as the second-worst airline globally with an AirHelp Score of 4.45. The carrier has a modest on-time performance score of 6.2 and a relatively high customer opinion rating of 7.1.
However, its dismal claim processing score of 0.1 reflects serious shortcomings in handling passenger issues. Ongoing complaints about delays and lack of support continue to erode its reputation.
Nouvelair
Nouvelair, Tunisia’s second major airline, ranks third-lowest globally with an AirHelp Score of 4.48. Though it offers affordable domestic and international travel, its performance is marred by delays (on-time score: 5.8) and inadequate claim support (score: 0.1).
While a customer opinion score of 7.5 suggests some level of satisfaction, travellers frequently cite poor communication and inadequate assistance during disruptions.
Bulgaria Air
Bulgaria Air ranks as the fourth-worst airline globally, with an AirHelp Score of 4.59. Despite offering a decent customer opinion score of 7.2, its on-time performance (6.2) and abysmal claim processing score (0.4) undermine passenger trust.
Travellers frequently report challenges in securing compensation for delays or lost baggage. To restore confidence and elevate its market standing, the airline must urgently address service reliability and customer support deficiencies.
El Al Israel Airlines
El Al Israel Airlines, Israel’s national carrier since 1948, lands near the bottom of global airline rankings with an AirHelp Score of 4.60.
Known for frequent delays, reflected in its low on-time score of 5.7, the airline frustrates travellers who depend on timely service. El Al’s abysmally low claim processing score of 0.1 reveals a significant customer service gap.
Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus Airlines, Turkey’s budget carrier, is one of the worst globally with an AirHelp Score of 4.73. Operating out of Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport, it offers affordable travel on many routes.
Persistent delays (on-time score: 6.7) and poor claim support (score: 0.2) undermine customer confidence. Despite a customer opinion score of 7.3, travelers often face challenges in securing help during disruptions, highlighting the need for improved reliability and support services.
Indigo
IndiGo, India’s low-cost carrier since 2006, has an AirHelp Score of 4.80. Despite a strong market presence and a customer satisfaction rating of 7.5, its performance falters due to frequent delays (on-time score: 6.6) and inadequate claim support (score: 0.3).
Passengers frequently cite hurdles in seeking compensation, highlighting critical flaws in the airline’s responsiveness during disruptions.
TAROM
TAROM, Romania’s flag carrier since 1954, is one of the worst-performing airlines globally, with an AirHelp Score of 4.82. Operating out of Bucharest, the airline grapples with reliability.
Its on-time performance sits at 6.9, and more concerningly, its claim processing score registers a flat zero. While some passengers offer praise (customer opinion score: 7.6), the absence of adequate support during delays or cancellations reflects a deep disconnect in TAROM’s service infrastructure.
Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius continues to fall short of global airline standards, earning a lackluster AirHelp Score of just 4.84. Although customer reviews offer a modest nod with a score of 7, the airline’s reliability remains in question.
Frequent delays contribute to an unimpressive on-time performance rating of 6, while its claim handling—scoring a mere 2—reveals persistent issues with responsiveness and accountability.
SKY Express
Founded in 2005, SKY Express is a Greek airline that primarily serves domestic routes within Greece, with a modest network of international flights within Europe.
Despite connecting popular island destinations, the airline holds an AirHelp Score of 4.86, placing it among the bottom ten carriers. While customer satisfaction remains moderate (7), a low claims processing score (1) and on-time performance rating (6) highlight persistent operational challenges.
