Emirates Named Best International Airline for 2025
Emirates has received the prestigious title of “Best International Airline” from the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards for 2025. This accolade adds to a remarkable year of recognition for the airline, which has also been honored for its exceptional First Class service and luxurious airport lounge facilities.
Overview of Awards and Recognition
The Forbes Travel Guide awards are determined through evaluations from frequent travelers, luxury travel advisors, and inspectors, with input from approximately 9,000 respondents. Emirates’ success is attributed to its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience continually. Notably, the airline has introduced an elegant lounge-like check-in area for First-Class and Skywards Platinum members and has become the first autism-certified airline, training over 30,000 staff to assist travelers with autism.
In addition to the Forbes accolades, Emirates was named “Best Long-Haul Airline” at The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights the airline’s outstanding cabin crew service, private First Class suites equipped with onboard showers, and its impressive fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.
Expanding Global Network
The Times report emphasized Emirates’ expanding network, which has added five new destinations in 2025, including Shenzhen in southern China and Siem Reap in Cambodia. This growth reflects the airline’s strategy to enhance connectivity between the Middle East and key global markets.
Emirates also achieved a commendable score of 87.86 in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards and was recognized as the Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand at the World Travel Awards 2025 regional finals. As the largest operator of international First Class seats, Emirates offers 26,800 First Class seats weekly, all designed as private suites.
Exceptional First Class Experience
At the Forbes Travel Guide Awards, Emirates was awarded “Best International First Class” for its Boeing 777-300ER suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seats, and Bulgari amenities. The menu includes a wide range of gourmet options, from caviar to in-flight snacks. Additional services such as chauffeur-driven transfers, connection assistance in Dubai, and exclusive lounge access further enhance the First Class experience.
The airline’s First Class Lounge in Dubai was also recognized as the “Best International Airline Lounge” by Forbes. The lounge boasts a variety of amenities, including à la carte dining, a cigar bar, shower spas, complimentary spa treatments, and direct boarding from the lounge area.
Continued Excellence in Service
Emirates’ accolades extend beyond the Forbes awards. Earlier in 2025, the airline was named “Best Long-Haul Airline” at The Telegraph Travel Awards and recognized as the “Most Recommended Global Brand” by YouGov. At the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, Emirates secured multiple titles, including Best Airline Worldwide for the twelfth consecutive year, Best First Class, Best Premium Economy Class, and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East.
The airline’s Skywards loyalty program was also acknowledged as the Best Global Airline Loyalty Program at the International Loyalty Awards 2025, along with being named the Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme at the World Travel Awards. These honors reflect Emirates’ unwavering focus on service quality, investment in fleet modernization, and commitment to product innovation across its global network.
FAQs
What criteria are used to determine the Forbes Travel Guide awards?
The awards are based on evaluations from frequent travelers, luxury travel advisors, and inspectors, with votes from around 9,000 respondents validated through a star-rating system.
How does Emirates enhance the passenger experience?
Emirates continually refines its services, offering features like a lounge-like check-in area for First-Class passengers, autism training for staff, and luxurious amenities in its First Class suites.
What recent destinations has Emirates added to its network?
In 2025, Emirates expanded its network by connecting the Middle East to five new destinations, including Shenzhen in southern China and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Conclusion
Emirates has solidified its reputation as a leader in the airline industry with multiple prestigious awards in 2025, showcasing its commitment to exceptional service and innovation. As the airline continues to expand its global network and enhance passenger experiences, it remains a top choice for travelers seeking luxury and quality in air travel.
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