Emirates Wins ‘Best Airline in the World 2025’ at ULTRAs for the 8th Consecutive Year
Dubai, UAE, 18 November 2025 – Emirates has once again been crowned Best Airline in the World 2025, securing the prestigious title for the 8th consecutive year at the ULTRAs travel awards in Dubai. Voted by Ultratravel’s global network of 1.2 million travellers, the Dubai-based airline also received the award for Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class and a distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation presented to Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.
A Global Vote of Confidence
The ULTRAs are among the most respected honours in the luxury travel industry, and winning Best Airline in the World 2025 further reinforces Emirates’ reputation for an unmatched travel experience. The airline’s extensive global network of over 150 destinations, modern fleet of Airbus A380s, A350s and Boeing 777s, and consistently high service standards played a major role in securing the top global recognition.
Sir Tim Clark expressed his appreciation for the continued trust from travellers, saying:
“It’s an honour to celebrate our eighth year as ‘best airline in the world.’ At Emirates, we want every customer to ‘fly better,’ and that’s why we never stop investing in the Emirates experience – from our aircraft and hospitality training, to innovative technologies that provide seamless travel.”
World-Class Experience: Why Emirates Continues to Lead
Emirates’ success at the ULTRAs is driven by its signature blend of comfort, innovation and hospitality. Travellers enjoy regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, award-winning inflight entertainment with 6,500 channels on ice, and luxurious cabins that include private suites, onboard lounges and even shower spas on select aircraft.
The airline continuously upgrades its fleet through multibillion-dollar retrofit programs and enhances airport experiences with premium lounges, chauffeur services and digital innovations that simplify every step of the journey. Sustainability efforts and industry-leading crew training further reinforce the brand’s global leadership.
Emirates Wins ‘Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class’
The airline’s Premium Economy offering – the first of its kind in the region – also captured global attention. With cream-coloured leather seats, up to 40 inches of seat pitch, calf rests, footrests, refined meals, a premium wine selection and 13.3-inch entertainment screens, the cabin combines elevated comfort with an exclusive atmosphere. Premium Economy is now available on routes connecting Dubai with 61 cities worldwide.
Sir Tim Clark Receives Lifetime Achievement Honor
A major highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation presented to Sir Tim Clark. His career in aviation spans more than five decades, including his pivotal leadership at Emirates since 2003. Under his guidance, Emirates transformed from a modest regional operator into one of the world’s most influential international airlines. He was also recently honoured by the Wings Club Foundation with the Distinguished Achievement Award.
A Year of Global Recognition
The ULTRAs awards add to an already impressive list of accolades Emirates received in 2025. Earlier this year, the airline was named:
Best International Airline, Best International First Class and Best International Airline Lounge at the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards 2025
Best Long-Haul Airline at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards
Multiple First Class honours at the World Travel Awards Middle East
Best Recommended Global Brand 2025 by YouGov
Best Airline Worldwide for the 12th consecutive year at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards
Best Global Airline Loyalty Program for Emirates Skywards at the International Loyalty Awards 2025
With its continual focus on innovation, service excellence and global connectivity, Emirates remains a benchmark for world-class aviation – and its 2025 achievements reaffirm the airline’s place at the top of the industry.
