Emirates secures 5 World Travel Awards, capping off a highly successful 2025

December 10, 2025 at 01:29 PM•2 min read

Emirates concluded 2025 with five global accolades at the World Travel Awards, adding to its impressive haul.

Key Points

1Emirates secured five global accolades at the 32nd World Travel Awards in Bahrain, including World’s Leading Airline Brand and First Class.
2The airline accumulated over 20 awards in 2025, reinforcing its position as a top global carrier.
3Emirates' 'ice' inflight entertainment system and Skywards loyalty program received top honors.
4Sir Tim Clark, Emirates President, earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for services to global aviation.

Emirates concluded 2025 with significant recognition, securing five global accolades at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards held in Bahrain. These latest honors contribute to an impressive portfolio of over 20 awards received by the Dubai-based carrier throughout the year. The World Travel Awards recognized Emirates as the World’s Leading Airline Brand, World’s Leading Airline – First Class, World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment for its 'ice' system, World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme for Skywards, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class for its facility at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3.

Adding to its distinctions, Emirates was also voted 'Best Airline in the World' for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs travel awards in November, based on votes from 1.2 million global travelers. During the same event, the airline received the 'Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class' award, and its President, Sir Tim Clark, was honored with a 'Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation'. Aviation Business Middle East further acknowledged Emirates with 'Best First Class of the Year' and the prestigious 'Airline of the Year' awards.

Further solidifying its industry standing, Emirates garnered 'Best International Airline,' 'Best International First Class,' and 'Best International Airline Lounge' from the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards 2025, alongside 'Best Long-Haul Airline' at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025. Sir Tim Clark also received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Wings Club Foundation. Earlier in September, the carrier earned the 2026 APEX Best™ Global Entertainment Award for its 'ice' system and a 2026 APEX WORLD CLASS™ award for its customer experience at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, USA. Throughout 2025, Emirates also secured 'Best Long-Haul Airline' at The Telegraph Travel Awards, was named '2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand' by YouGov, and earned multiple categories at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, including 'Best Airline Worldwide' for the 12th consecutive year.