Emirates Secures New Wave of International Travel Awards, Including ‘Best International Airline’
Emirates has added a new collection of global honours to its growing list of accolades, including ‘Best International Airline’, ‘Best International First Class’, and ‘Best International Airline Lounge’, following the latest Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards.
The carrier also picked up multiple titles from the World Travel Awards, The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards, and the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
For the second consecutive year, Emirates was named ‘Best International Airline’ by more than 9,000 frequent travellers and hospitality industry professionals, with Forbes noting that the airline’s success stems from its continuous reinvention of the passenger experience.
The publication praised Emirates for debuting a lounge-style First Class check-in area and becoming the world’s first autism-certified airline, with over 30,000 crew and ground staff trained to support passengers with autism.
The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025 also recognised Emirates as ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’, crediting its A380 fleet, renowned cabin crew service, and First Class suites featuring onboard showers. The award further highlighted the airline’s network growth, citing new routes to Shenzhen and Siem Reap.
Emirates’ strong First Class offering drove several additional wins. At the Forbes awards, the airline secured ‘Best International First Class’ for its Boeing 777-300ER private suites, boasting floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seating, Bulgari amenities, and fine-dining menus including caviar. Passengers also benefit from chauffeured transfers, exclusive connections support in Dubai, and dedicated lounge access.
The First Class Lounge in Dubai was named Forbes’ ‘Best International Airline Lounge’, commended for gourmet dining, spa treatments, rest areas, and direct boarding from the lounge. At the World Travel Awards 2025 Middle East finals, Emirates was named the region’s leading airline for First Class and leading First Class lounge.
Earlier this year, the airline collected further honours, including Best Long-Haul Airline at The Telegraph Travel Awards, Best Airline Worldwide for the 12th consecutive year at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, and Best Global Airline Loyalty Programme for Emirates Skywards at the International Loyalty Awards.
With 26,800 First Class seats offered weekly – the largest international First Class capacity worldwide – Emirates continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in premium air travel.
