The world's best airlines were ranked and some Canadian airlines did MUCH better than others
The results are in, and Canadian airlines are having a pretty good year so far. The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards were just released, giving air travellers across the country a fresh look at how our homegrown carriers stack up against the best airlines in the world.
From big international players like Air Canada and WestJet to low-cost and regional airlines like Porter Airlines and Air Transat, a wide variety of Canadian airlines were represented in the awards. And while some of our national carriers soared, others didn't make quite the same splash on the global stage.
The Skytrax awards are considered the gold standard in airline rankings, often referred to as the "Oscars of the aviation industry." This year's results are based on surveys completed by travellers from more than 100 countries between September 2024 and May 2025.
From transatlantic business class service to budget-friendly domestic hops, every detail — big and small — was put under the microscope by travellers around the globe.
Participants rated more than 325 airlines worldwide on everything from in-flight entertainment and cabin crew friendliness to family seating and food. The rankings are fully independent and based entirely on traveller feedback, making them a go-to source for anyone curious about the world’s best airlines — and who's lagging behind.
As for Canada? The performance was anything but consistent. Some Canadian airlines soared to record placements, while others barely cracked the list. A few even nabbed top spots in major international categories.
Here's how Canadian airlines ranked — from the global heavyweights to the low-cost standouts.
Sunwing
Sunwing might've officially merged with WestJet at the end of May, but it still made one last splash on its way out.
While it didn't make a showing on the main global top 100 list, the airline ranked 4th in the world for Best Leisure Airline — a strong final showing before disappearing as a standalone brand.
Moving forward, all Sunwing flights will operate under the WestJet name, but this recognition was a solid nod to the airline's legacy in vacation travel.
Flair Airlines
Flair didn't crack the global top 100 either, but it did earn a shoutout in the budget travel game.
The ultra low-cost carrier headquartered in Edmonton was ranked the 8th-Best Low-Cost Airline in North America — not bad for a smaller player in a competitive category.
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada's budget arm made some big moves this year. Rouge ranked as the 94th-best airline in the world and climbed to 3rd globally for Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline — the highest placement in North America.
It also snagged the No. 4 spot for Best Low-Cost Airline on the continent.
Rouge might not be the most glamorous way to fly, but it's definitely getting credit for solid service and value.
WestJet
WestJet took a bit of a dip this year, dropping to No. 75 in the global rankings — down from 64th place in both 2024 and 2023. That puts it in 9th overall in North America.
Canada's second-largest air carrier also came in 13th globally for Best Regional Airline.
With the Sunwing merger fresh, next year's results will be interesting to watch. For now, WestJet remains a reliable option for many Canadians — just not one topping the charts.
Air Transat
Air Transat held steady in 2025, landing at No. 60 in the world and 7th in North America.
But the big headline? It was once again named the World's Best Leisure Airline — its third straight win and seventh time overall in this category.
"Receiving this award for the seventh time and third year in a row is an honour for everyone at Air Transat," said Pamela Lloyd-Bergeron, the airline's director of in-flight service. Air Transat CEO Annick Guérard also called it a testament to the "hard work and resilience" of their teams.
The airline also placed 8th for Best Airline Staff in North America — another strong nod to the people behind the brand.
Porter Airlines
Porter continued its impressive climb, jumping 44th place globally — up from 57th last year.
The airline was ranked the No. 3 Best Regional Airline in the world — the highest-ranking North American airline in the category.
It also stood out for service, placing 3rd in North America for both Best Airline Cabin Crew and Best Airline Staff. Not bad for a carrier mostly focused on local short-haul flights.
Air Canada
Air Canada had a standout year, earning its highest global ranking in more than a decade. Skytrax ranked it the 19th Best Airline in the world, marking the highest placement for any Canadian carrier since 2012.
It dominated the North American categories, taking No. 1 for Best Airline, Best Airline Cabin Crew and Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and No. 2 for Best Airline Staff.
Air Canada also earned global recognition as one of the Most Family Friendly Airlines, ranking 5th in the world — and 1st in North America. This category looks at things like family seating policies, priority boarding, kid-friendly meals, onboard entertainment and other travel perks that make flying easier for families.
Meanwhile, Air Canada's food, entertainment and upgrades also turned heads. It scored 13th globally for Best Premium Economy Class, 10th for Premium Economy Onboard Catering and 18th for Best Inflight Entertainment.
Plus, the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite business class lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport ranked No. 2 in the world for Best Business Class Airline Lounge and earned the No. 1 spot for Best Lounge Catering.
The world's best airlines in 2025
Here's the full top 20 list from Skytrax's global awards this year:
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Korean Air
- Air France
- Japan Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- EVA Air
- British Airways
- Qantas Airways
- Lufthansa
- Virgin Atlantic
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- STARLUX Airlines
- Air Canada
- Iberia
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