The Best and Worst Airlines in the World According to 2025 Rankings
In 2025, airline rankings focused on four key areas: on-time performance, in-flight service, and other key metrics. Fliers increasingly favored airlines that delivered reliable schedules, clear communication, and smoother overall journeys. Some carriers improved their operations and earned strong reviews from passengers, while others received low scores due to delays, poor service, or inconsistent communication.
Singapore Airlines
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Singapore Airlines’ excellent marks came down to how consistently it handled everyday travel demands. Planes arrived on schedule, and services onboard stayed high across fleets. Reviews continued to highlight consistent service quality and attentive crews on long-haul routes. Feedback from travelers also deemed the experience as smooth and efficient across a wide range of international routes.
Qatar Airways
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Many airlines show clear drops in service between cabin classes, but Qatar Airways avoided that gap. Tourists in both economy and business reported consistent attention, fresh-looking cabins, and reliable flight schedules. Meals were well-prepared, and service remained organized even on crowded routes. Transfers through Doha moved efficiently, without confusion or long delays.
ANA
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Those who flew with ANA in 2025 described the experience as calm, efficient, and free of unnecessary complications. The airline handled boarding with ease and offered modern, well-kept cabins. Flights ran close to schedule, and there was a generally dependable handling of routine travel issues. ANA maintained its reputation for dependable operations, organized boarding, and a strong focus on core service standards.
Turkish Airlines
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Making a noticeable comeback this year, Turkish Airlines addressed several long-standing issues that had hurt its reputation in previous years. The overall service scores showed improvement, which contributed to a higher global ranking. In addition to that, the organization continued to invest in its premium offerings, and operational consistency improved.
Emirates
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While it isn’t the cheapest option, Emirates delivered strong value through reliable service and a smooth flying experience. Economy fliers reported a more comfortable ride on long-haul routes. Meanwhile, flight crews stayed attentive throughout the journey, not just during key moments. And while no airline can remove the realities of long travel, Emirates maintained a reputation for delivering a polished, dependable long‑haul experience.
Ryanair
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One of the most complained-about airlines, Ryanair struggled with customer trust and overall satisfaction. Travelers pointed to hidden fees, as well as confusing baggage rules. Though ticket prices remained low, unexpected charges usually erased the savings. Reaching customer service during disruptions also proved difficult.
Spirit Airlines
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The airline recorded one of the highest cancellation rates among U.S. carriers, which reinforced problems Spirit Airlines has faced for years. Guests reported hold-ups, last-minute changes, and limited help when flights were disrupted. Communication remained weak, with long hold times and slow rebooking options. Extra fees for bags and seat selection added up quickly, often erasing the appeal of low base fares.
Jetstar
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Struggling throughout the year, Jetstar faced growing problems on routes across Australia and Southeast Asia. Cancellations and schedule disruptions contributed to a decline in customer satisfaction. Passengers also flagged problems with unclear baggage rules. What really pushed the airline down the rankings was the chaotic nature of its customer service when things went wrong.
Viva Air Colombia
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A financial crisis forced Viva Air Colombia to suspend major parts of its network, which led to widespread cancellations and stranded passengers. Thousands were left without rebooking options, and many reported disruptions in refunds or no refunds at all. Those who managed to fly encountered reduced onboard service and unclear policies.
Air India
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As several regional airlines raised their standards, Air India struggled to keep pace this year. Travelers reported recurring maintenance concerns and cabins that felt overdue for updates. Service also drew criticism, with complaints ranging from inconsistent cleanliness to crew responses that felt slow or disengaged.