Flying in and out of the UAE has always come with high expectations, and the latest global ranking makes it clear why. The UAE now stands among the strongest aviation markets in the world, with multiple carriers taking top positions in the AirHelpScore 2025 list. The new results place Etihad Airways at No. 2 globally and Emirates at No. 16, demonstrating not just loyalty among passengers but measurable excellence backed by data.
This milestone reinforces what many residents, frequent travellers, and aviation watchers in the region already know—UAE airlines are consistently raising the bar for service, punctuality, comfort, and overall travel experience.
Etihad Airways Takes the Lead in Global Ranking
The biggest headline of the year goes to Etihad Airways. According to the latest AirHelpScore ranking, the Abu Dhabi carrier earned an outstanding overall score of 8.07, placing it second in the world. Etihad has spent the past few years modernising its fleet, improving cabin experience, enhancing ground touchpoints, and making travel smoother across long-haul and regional flights.
The result is a combination of stronger on-time performance, better operational reliability, and positive customer feedback that helped it climb nine places compared to the previous year. For travellers familiar with Abu Dhabi International Airport’s growing facilities and the airline’s expanding network, the performance feels like a natural progression.
Etihad’s rapid rise also reflects a broader shift in the UAE aviation scene. In the last decade, the country has moved from being a fast-growing aviation hub to one of the most respected players in the global airline market.
Emirates Wins Hearts Through Customer Experience
Right behind is Emirates, the airline long associated with wide seats, award-winning inflight entertainment, and a travel standard that many passengers benchmark against. Emirates ranked 16th globally this year, climbing an impressive 39 places.
While the Dubai carrier scored high on operational improvement, it was customer perception that pushed it into the global spotlight. Emirates earned a customer opinion score of 9.0, one of the highest in the world. The continued upgrades to cabins, aircraft, crew service and long-haul comfort appear to be paying off.
Travellers departing from Dubai International Airport experience the airline’s evolving tech and service models firsthand, from more seamless check-in to improved baggage processing. With multiple enhancements already rolled out this year, Emirates continues working toward redefining premium air travel at scale.
Budget Airlines Strengthen the UAE’s Aviation Backbone
The achievement is not limited to flagship carriers alone. One of the strongest shifts in recent years has been the rise of UAE’s budget airline network. Air Arabia secured 38th place this year with an overall score of 7.05, while Flydubai ranked 71st.
Both airlines play a major role in connecting the UAE to destinations that are underserved by major global carriers. Air Arabia has grown especially strong across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, while Flydubai has become a reliable option for regional business travellers and residents looking for quality and affordability.
Their presence supports a balanced travel ecosystem, making the UAE one of the few countries that can offer premium, mid-market, and budget travel experiences without compromise.
Middle East Dominates the Global Top Rankings
The UAE is not alone in having a strong year. Airlines across the Middle East are performing exceptionally well. The latest global list ranks Qatar Airways at the top with a score of 8.16, while Oman Air, Saudia, and Gulf Air also appear in high positions.
The region’s aviation success story is driven by continued investment in:
- Next-generation aircraft and greener fleets
- Better airport infrastructure
- Faster digital adoption
- Transparent service standards
- Focus on passenger welfare
This shift also reflects the increasing role of the Middle East as a global transit hub, with passengers choosing airports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha for convenience, connectivity, and travel comfort.
The Top 20 Global Airlines (AirHelpScore 2025)
A snapshot of the highest-performing airlines this year includes:
- Qatar Airways – 8.16
- Etihad Airways – 8.07
- Virgin Atlantic – 8.03
- Qantas – 7.99
- KM Malta Airlines – 7.85
- Aeromexico – 7.84
- Oman Air – 7.82
- Saudia – 7.69
- Brussels Airlines – 7.66
- LOT Polish Airlines – 7.65
- American Airlines – 7.64
- Air France – 7.59
- United Airlines – 7.54
- All Nippon Airways – 7.54
- Delta Air Lines – 7.46
- Emirates – 7.45
- British Airways – 7.44
- Finnair – 7.41
- Austrian Airlines – 7.40
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – 7.39
The strong presence of regional airlines in this chart signals how quickly the Middle East has become a dominant force in the global aviation ecosystem.
A Milestone Moment for UAE Aviation
What once made the UAE a fast-growing travel hub is now evolving into something much more significant. Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai, and Air Arabia are no longer just major carriers for regional passengers—they’re shaping aviation standards globally.
With world-class airports, expanding networks, and traveller-focused service, the UAE’s aviation industry is entering a new phase where quality and reliability are measurable, recognised, and competitive on a global level.
Read More:
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