The votes are in, and UAE carriers have swept the top of the regional leaderboard once again. Emirates tops the Middle East and Africa category in the 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards, with Etihad Airways right behind in third.
Emirates Named Preferred Middle East Airline As Etihad Also Lands In The Top 3
The airline has been named the favourite airline in the Middle East and Africa at the 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards, with Etihad Airways third in the regional ranking. Qatar Airways landed in between at second, placing all three Gulf carriers at the top of the regional table. The awards, run by AirlineRatings.com, are based entirely on traveller votes rather than expert panels, reflecting real passenger preferences across cabin classes, service and trust.
Emirates also did well in a number of individual categories other than the top regional position, taking first place for Preferred Premium Economy. It was second in Preferred Business Class, behind Qatar Airways, and second in Preferred Economy, behind Singapore Airlines. Emirates also came second best for its Cabin Crew, with Etihad in third place in the same category.
Etihad’s Trust And Design Wins
Etihad also featured among the airlines passengers most closely associate with confidence and peace of mind, placing third in that category behind Singapore Airlines and Qantas, with Emirates ranking fourth. The Abu Dhabi carrier additionally took third place for Best Aircraft Livery, behind Vietnam Airlines and Air New Zealand.
Also Read: Emirates Named The Best Overall Airline In The Middle East At 2026 APEX Best In Airline Awards
Singapore Airlines Was The Night’s Biggest Winner
This year, Singapore Airlines was the most decorated airline in the world with four titles – Preferred Economy Airline, Best Cabin Crew Service, Preferred Airline in Central and South East Asia and the airline giving the greatest peace of mind to passengers. Qatar Airways was voted Preferred Business Class, and Emirates took the top spot in Premium Economy.
Elsewhere on the world stage, Delta Air Lines retained its top spot in the US and Canada, British Airways was the leading carrier in the UK and Europe, Qantas was the top airline in Australia and the Pacific, and Cathay Pacific led North East Asia.
Also Read: Emirates Named Among World’s Most Reliable Airlines With Just 0.16% Flight Cancellations
Why This Ranking Matters
Unlike AirlineRatings.com’s expert-led rankings, the Flyers’ Choice Awards are determined solely by traveller votes, making this less about technical benchmarks and more a reflection of how passengers actually feel after flying. For Emirates and Etihad, it’s another marker of consistently strong loyalty from the flying public, on top of an already packed 2026 awards season for both carriers.
Cover Image Courtesy: Emirates Airlines/Website
FAQs
Which airline topped the Middle East and Africa category?
Emirates was voted the preferred airline in the Middle East and Africa, with Etihad Airways ranking third and Qatar Airways second.
What makes the Flyers' Choice Awards different from other airline rankings?
They're determined entirely by traveller votes, unlike AirlineRatings.com's separate expert-led rankings.
Did Emirates win any individual category awards?
Yes, Emirates took first place for Preferred Premium Economy and placed second in both Preferred Business Class and Preferred Economy.
