Emirates has once again secured its position as a leader in international aviation, winning multiple prestigious awards in 2025. From top honours as Best International Airline to recognition for First Class suites and lounges, the Dubai-based carrier continues to innovate luxury travel while expanding its global network.
Forbes travel guide recognition
The Dubai-based airline won Best International Airline, Best International First Class, and Best International Airline Lounge at the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards. The results were based on evaluations from about 9,000 frequent travellers, luxury travel advisors, and Forbes Travel Guides inspectors, validated through a star-rating system.Forbes noted that Emirates recently introduced a lounge-style check-in area for First Class and Skywards Platinum members and is the first autism-certified airline, with over 30,000 staff trained to assist travellers with autism.Emirates was also voted Best Long-Haul Airline at the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025, based on 900,000 reader votes. The award highlighted:
- Cabin crew service
- First Class suites with onboard showers
- Fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft
The Times reported that Emirates expanded its network in 2025 to five new destinations, including Shenzhen, China, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.Other recognitions include:
- 87.86 score in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards
- Named Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand at the World Travel Awards 2025 regional finals
First class and lounge services
Emirates operates 26,800 First Class seats per week, all in private suites. The airline’s Boeing 777-300ER First Class suites were awarded Best International First Class, featuring:
- Floor-to-ceiling doors and zero-gravity seats
- Bulgari fragrances and amenities
- Dining options from caviar to in-flight snacks
- Chauffeur-driven transfers and connection assistance in Dubai
The First Class Lounge in Dubai won Best International Airline Lounge. Facilities include:
- À la carte dining
- Cigar bar and full-service bar
- Shower spas and 15-minute complimentary spa treatments
- Direct boarding from the lounge
At the World Travel Awards 2025 regional finals, Emirates won:
- Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class
- Middle East’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class
Earlier 2025 recognitions
Earlier this year, Emirates received:
- Best Long-Haul Airline at The Telegraph Travel Awards
- Most Recommended Global Brand by YouGov
- Multiple titles at Business Traveller Middle East Awards, including:
- Best Airline Worldwide (12th consecutive year)
- Best First Class
- Best Premium Economy Class
- Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East
Its loyalty program, Skywards, was recognized as:
- Best Global Airline Loyalty Program at the International Loyalty Awards 2025
- Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme at the World Travel Awards
