The world’s best airline for 2025 has just been revealed

This is who you want to be flying with in 2025.

Each year, Australian-based aviation review company AirlineRatings.com releases its report on the 25 best airlines in the world. In 2025, an unexpected contender has taken the top spot, knocking last year’s winner down to number two.

What is the World’s Best Airline 2025?

Claiming the title of World’s Best Airline in 2025 is Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship carrier and the country’s largest airline. It’s a relatively unforeseen triumph for the small carrier, which was up against industry heavyweights like Qantas, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and last year’s winner, Qatar Airways.

Korean Air is South Korea’s largest airline carrier. (Image: Getty Images/Leo Patrizi)

Owned by Hanjin Group, Korean Air was established in 1969 out of South Korea’s vibrant capital city Seoul. Beginning with just eight planes, the aviation service has since expanded to serve over 100 routes, celebrating 50 years of operation in 2019.

Coming in at second place is Qatar Airways, followed by Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific with Singapore Airlines rounding out the top five. Emirates, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Etihad and Turkish Airlines make up the top 10.

The airline was established in 1969. (Image: Alexey Bakharev)

Why Korean Air?

Several constituents influence the rankings, including passenger comfort and safety, customer feedback, expert reviews, product consistency and forward fleet orders.

But it was Korean Air’s dedication to economy-class comforts that made it truly stand out against the rest. More specifically, its comparatively commodious seat pitch – the amount of space provided between a row of seats – set it apart. Insufficient legroom is an issue that significantly impacts taller travellers on long-haul flights and is often the deciding factor in whether passengers choose the airline again.

Leg room was a significant factor in the decision. (Image: Getty Images/VeeStudio89)

“While many airlines have added a 10th seat per row on 777 aircraft and reduced seat pitch in economy to 31–32 inches, Korean Air has chosen not to follow this trend,” says AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen.

“They have maintained their original seat configuration and a generous 33–34-inch seat pitch, offering passengers a more comfortable experience.”

Korean Air was up against several industry heavyweights. (Image: Getty Images/Angel Di Bilio)

This extra bit of legroom gives Korean Air a surprisingly superior edge, earning it the title of most spacious airline economy class in the world. Other factors include thoughtful touches like slippers, larger meal portions and in-flight entertainment variety.

AirlineRatings.com also point to the carrier’s groundbreaking merger with Asiana Airlines – the largest consolidation in Asian aviation history – as a deciding factor.

You can find the full list of the World’s Best Airlines in 2025 here.