On 29 October 2025, Emirates (EK) announced that it had once again been voted “Best International Airline”, in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards. In addition to being dubbed the best international carrier, the Middle East Giant, which has the highest number of flight hours for the region, also secured the following awards:
- Best International First Class
- Best International Airline Lounge
- Best Long-Haul Airline [in the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025]
- “Middle East’s Leading Airline Brand” [ at the regional finals of the World Travel Awards 2025]
- Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Based in | Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai, UAE |
| Founded | 1985 (with initial two leased aircraft) |
| Fleet (major types) | Operates large fleets of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft. |
| Network reach | 150+ destinations globally. |
| Premium offering strength | Largest international First-Class inventory (weekly 26,800 seats) all in private suites. |
Emirates turbulence reduction technologies: SkyPath, Lido mPilot, and IATA integration
Emirates’ Best International Airline Award-Winning Performance in 2025
Emirates was voted “Best International Airline” for a second successive year by “9,000 frequent fliers in the hospitality industry, including luxury travel advisors and Forbes Travel Guides inspectors, with results validated using a star ratings system“. According to Forbes, one of the biggest reasons behind the carrier’s success “is that it continually refines every aspect of the passenger experience“. After all, the carrier has:
- An opulent lounge-like check-in area for its First-Class and Skywards Platinum members
- become the first autism-certified airline. Emirates close to 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff are trained to cater to the needs of austistic people.
Let’s take a look at these two facets that stand at the forefront of Emirates winning the Best International Airline as voted by Forbes:
Emirates’ inclusivity and premium service initiatives that helped it become the Best International Airline
| Aspect | Emirates Becomes World’s First Autism Certified Airline™ | Emirates ‘First’ Lounge-Like Check-In Area for First Class and Skywards Platinum Members |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Certification process announced in 2025; official designation to be awarded by IBCCES in coming months. | Officially inaugurated on 18 July 2025 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). |
| Objective | To make air travel more accessible and inclusive for passengers on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. | To redefine luxury ground experience, offering privacy, comfort, and efficiency at the start of a premium journey. |
| Certifying/Collaborating Body | International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), global authority on autism and neurodiversity certification. | Designed and operated entirely by Emirates (EK), reflecting its independent investment in customer experience. |
| Staff Training | More than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff undergoing specialised autism and sensory-awareness training. Builds on earlier 2023 programme with 23,000 staff trained on hidden disabilities. | Ground staff trained in high-touch customer service and digital check-in support; staff complete all check-in formalities for guests seated comfortably in the lounge area. |
| Programme Scope | Comprehensive audit of Emirates’ ground and inflight services; introduction of sensory guides, neurodiverse sensory products, and new protocols for neurodiverse passengers. | Covers the full pre-flight journey—from dedicated entryway, personalised check-in, baggage handling on dedicated belts, to expedited security and immigration clearance. |
| Facilities/Environment | Introduction of Certified Autism Centre™ check-in facilities at all Emirates’ DXB terminals; collaboration with Dubai Airports, Dubai Tourism, and Department of Economy and Tourism to support Dubai’s ambition of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™. | Opulent interior with marble and wooden flooring, earth-toned décor, integrated lighting, and seating inspired by Emirates’ First Class cabins. Features Rolex world clocks, fresh floral displays, and a symbolic Ghaf Tree motif. |
| Customer Impact | Empowers travellers with autism to fly more comfortably, reducing sensory overload and anxiety through awareness-trained staff and calm airport zones. | Enhances premium passengers’ privacy, convenience, and relaxation prior to boarding; transforms check-in into an exclusive hospitality experience. |
| Service Integration | New accessibility standards to be applied across Emirates’ global operations, setting a blueprint for inclusive air travel within IATA-aligned best practices. | Integrated with Emirates’ Chauffeur Drive Service, First Class Lounges, and onboard experiences, ensuring continuity of luxury throughout the journey. |
| Strategic Importance | Aligns with Dubai’s goal to become the most accessible global destination and positions Emirates as a pioneer in inclusive aviation. | Reinforces Emirates’ brand leadership in luxury travel and customer experience, maintaining its global reputation fo |
Emirates was revealed as the ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025. These were awards where around 900,000 reader had cast their votes, reported Trade Arabia:
” This award was credited to Emirates for its ‘cabin crew service, First Class suites (including showers) and fleet of roomy Airbus A380s.’ The Times also mentioned that Emirates continues to expand its footprint and has ‘connected the Middle East to five new destinations this year, including Shenzhen in southern China’ and ‘Siem Reap, the entry point to the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia.’ Emirates also recently scored 87.86 in the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards Best Airline Category, as well as winning the title of Middle East’s leading airline brand at the regional finals of the World Travel Awards 2025.”
What sets Emirates’ Premium Service Apart?
Emirates’ First Class offering on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet was explicitly cited by Forbes for “floor-to-ceiling doors, zero-gravity seats, Bulgari fragrances and food—from movie snacks to caviar”, as well as an inclusive package of chauffeured transfers, expedited connection service in Dubai, lounge access and direct boarding. According to planespotters.net, Emirates has 119 aircraft of this type that average 12.4 years. Emirates configures its 777-300ERs in the following way:
| Feature | First Class | Business Class | Economy Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout & Seating | 6 suites in a 1-1-1 layout | 42 seats in a 2-3-2 layout | 306 seats in a 3-4-3 layout |
| Privacy & Design | Fully enclosed suites with full-height screens and folding vented doors; middle suites have virtual windows showing live external views | Privacy screen between seats; sleek modern design | Open cabin layout with 4-way adjustable headrests |
| Seat Type | Fully-flat bed (79″ long) | Fully-flat bed (69″ long) | Recline up to 6° |
| Seat Width | 26″ | 20.5″ | 17.1″ |
| Seat Pitch / Row Spacing | N/A (individual suites) | 60″ | 32″ |
| Storage | Full-height wardrobe, floor-level luggage locker, two small personal storage nooks, and a soft drink cabinet (not refrigerated) | Low-level nook for shoes/personal items; bi-fold table | Seat pocket and tray table |
| Additional Features | Fold-up makeup mirror, snack basket, and ambient lighting | Adjustable headrest, privacy partition, and large bi-fold table | Retractable bi-folding tray table |
| In-flight Entertainment | 32″ HD touchscreen display (static) | 23″ HD touchscreen display (static) | 13.3″ HD touchscreen display (pivoting) |
| Power & Connectivity | Universal 110V AC + two USB-A sockets | Universal 110V AC + one USB-A socket | Shared 110V AC + one USB-A socket per seat |
| Special Notes | No overhead lockers for an open, spacious feel | Tailored Collins Aerospace design for Emirates | Compact, ergonomic seat design for long-haul comfort |
Emirates Expands to Oslo with Airbus A350’s Premium Economy Experience
Another aircraft type that helped Emirates secure its status as the best airline, in particular the ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025 was the Airbus A380. Emirates currently operates 116 aircraft of this type, and they average 10.8 years. Here’s how the carrier configures this aircraft type:
| Deck / Cabin | Layout & Seating | Seat Type & Comfort | Seat Dimensions | In-flight Entertainment | Power & Connectivity | Special Features / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Deck – Premium Economy | 56 Recaro PL3530 seats in a 2-4-2 layout | Six-way adjustable headrest, calf rest, and footrest; retractable bi-folding table | Pitch: 40″ Width: 19.5″ Recline: 8″ |
13.3″ HD pivoting touchscreen display | Shared 110V AC + individual USB-A & USB-C sockets | Enhanced comfort with upgraded cushioning, leather upholstery, and wooden trim styling |
| Main Deck – Economy | 338 Safran Z400 seats in a 3-4-3 layout | Four-way adjustable headrest; retractable table | Pitch: 32″ Width: 17.9″ Recline: 4″ |
13.3″ HD pivoting touchscreen display | USB-A socket | Ergonomic seating for long-haul comfort |
| Upper Deck – First Class | 14 refurbished suites in a 1-2-1 layout | Fully enclosed suite with sliding doors, small wardrobe, storage nooks, and soft drink recess; converts to 75″ flat bed | Pitch: 86″ Width: 22″ (seat) / 28″ (bed) |
27″ HD static touchscreen display | Universal 110V AC + two USB-A sockets | Includes makeup mirror, snack basket, dual air vents, and seat-control tablet |
| Upper Deck – Business Class | 76 refurbished Safran SkyLounge seats | Fully-flat bed (70″–79″), adjustable headrest, footrest, lumbar support | Pitch: 48″ (AEFK) / 39″ (BDGJ) Width: 18.5″ |
18″ HD static touchscreen display | Universal 110V AC + two USB-A sockets | Includes shelf stocked with soft drinks; high-gloss wood finish |
Data: Aerolopa
Forbes’ Other Accolades for Emirates
The airline’s expansive first-class lounge at Dubai International Airport is another of Emirates highlights at Forbes’ awards. According to Foorbes, the carrier:
“offers everything a traveler could need and more: delicious dishes ranging from baked John Dory to 72-hour braised beef short ribs, a cigar bar, a Moët & Chandon bar, shower spas, a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment and plentiful areas to rest or work. Though arguably the best perk is the convenient direct boarding from the lounge.”
Let’s look at the features of the first-class lounge at DXB:
| Category | Key Features & Highlights | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Experience | Tranquil luxury for premium travelers | A serene, high-end retreat designed for Emirates First Class guests and Skywards Platinum members, offering privacy and indulgence before departure. |
| Comfort & Ambience | Peaceful atmosphere | Elegant interiors with refined décor, soft lighting, and plush seating areas provide a quiet escape from the terminal’s bustle. |
| Wellness & Refreshing Spaces | Spa-inspired shower suites | Private shower rooms stocked with towels, premium amenities, and hairdryers help travelers feel revitalized before their next flight. |
| Timeless Spa | Complimentary mini treatments | Passengers flying First Class receive a 15-minute complimentary massage or beauty session; extended treatments are also available. |
| Dining Experience | Global cuisine with à la carte service | A curated menu featuring international dishes and all-day dining options that suit every palate and time zone. |
| Culinary Theatre | Live cooking and fresh ingredients | Chefs prepare meals in open kitchens using locally sourced produce, ensuring freshness and visual appeal. |
| Café Experience | Coffee and pastries from Costa | Guests can enjoy a specialty coffee or pastry from Costa Coffee located in the Concourse B lounge. |
| Bar & Beverages | Fine wines and signature drinks | Complimentary access to a world-class beverage list, including rare whiskies, premium champagnes, and custom-crafted cocktails. |
| Exclusive Champagne Corner | Moët & Chandon Tasting Bar | A luxury tasting experience with four unique Moët & Chandon cuvées paired with elegant canapés. |
| Tea Selection | Premium Dilmah blends | A curated tea menu featuring six luxury blends — from calming chamomile to invigorating Moroccan mint. |
| Boutique Shopping | Le Clos wine and spirits collection | Guests can explore and purchase fine wines and rare spirits, guided by in-house experts. |
| Connectivity & Business | Wi-Fi and workspaces | Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a fully equipped business centre enable guests to stay connected or work in privacy. |
| Rest & Privacy | Quiet zones | Dedicated areas for solitude or rest, ideal for unwinding between connections. |
| Seamless Boarding | Direct gate access | Some lounges offer direct boarding routes, streamlining the journey from lounge to aircraft. |
| Smart Access | Facial recognition entry | Biometric gates allow for a smooth, contactless entry for pre-registered travelers. |
| Lounge Access | Complimentary or paid options | Access included for Emirates First Class passengers and Skywards Platinum members; paid entry available for eligible travelers. |
| Location | Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3 | First Class Lounges available across Concourses A, B, and C for convenient access to Emirates’ global network. |
Source: Emirates
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All in all
Emirates’ recognition in October 2025 as the “Best International Airline”, alongside top awards for its First Class and lounge-services, reinforces its standing at the apex of international aviation. If it keeps up its services, the carrier will be bestowed with more accolades in the days to come.