June 21, 2025, 5:57 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Skytrax annually presents the prestigious World Airline Awards to the best airlines worldwide. In addition to the global leaders, the awards also recognize the top airlines in individual regions and continents, including Europe. Among the European airlines, a German carrier ranks fifth.
The airline rating portal Skytrax reviews hundreds of airlines worldwide every year–from major international carriers to smaller providers. Criteria such as service, comfort, cleanliness, in-flight catering, and additional baggage fees are evaluated. Based on performance in these areas, Skytrax awards a rating between one and five stars. TRAVELBOOK has looked at the European airlines with the best ratings and presents the Top Ten.
Turkish Airlines is the Best European Airline
In the recently released edition of the “World Airline Awards” for 2025, Turkish Airlines was once again named the best airline in Europe. Additionally, it took first place in the category “Best Airline in Southern Europe” and also received the award for the world’s best business-class catering. In the international comparison of top airlines, Turkish Airlines ranked sixth, while Qatar Airways secured the top spot. Notably, Qatar Airways has received this award for the ninth time in the 26-year history of the awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Aviation.”
Anyone planning to fly with the Skytrax-awarded best airline in Europe should be aware of a new regulation in Turkey, recently reported by TRAVELBOOK. According to this, fines will be imposed on passengers who unbuckle and stand up before the seatbelt sign is turned off after landing. The measure aims to enhance onboard safety and ensure orderly disembarkation–a point travelers should pay more attention to in the future.
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The 10 Best European Airlines
Air France ranked second among the best European airlines, with Swiss International Air Lines in third. Lufthansa was the only German airline to impress, landing in fifth place in the European comparison. Here is an overview of the top ten best airlines in Europe:
- Turkish Airlines
- Air France
- Swiss International Air Lines
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Virgin Atlantic
- Iberia
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Finnair