Emirates clinches Best Airline Worldwide award

Dubai: Emirates has once again been named Best Airline Worldwide at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards, while also winning Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East. The airline honoured with top accolade for the 13th straight time.

The prestigious awards, determined by votes from Business Traveller Middle East readers, recognize excellence across the travel industry. Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the awards on behalf of the airline.

The recognition reflects Emirates’ continued investment in customer experience, both onboard and on the ground. The airline is currently undertaking a major fleet retrofit programme, with 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft being refurbished, while new Airbus A350s are being introduced across its global network of nearly 140 destinations.

Emirates’ award-winning First Class continues to set industry standards with private suites, dine-on-demand service, unlimited caviar, luxury amenities, and exclusive onboard experiences. Its First-Class Lounges at Dubai International Airport offer premium dining, complimentary spa treatments, duty-free shopping, and direct boarding access.

The airline has also begun rolling out Starlink high-speed inflight connectivity and recently launched its industry-first Comprehensive Travel Cover insurance, further enhancing the travel experience for customers worldwide.