Saudia ranks among world’s top 15 airlines, wins two Skytrax awards for 2026

Saudia has achieved a new milestone in the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, entering the list of the top 15 airlines worldwide after rising to 15th place. The carrier also received two honors: “Best Airline Staff in the Middle East” for the second consecutive year and “Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East.” These results reflect Saudia’s ongoing improvements in guest experience and reinforce its global competitiveness as the national carrier.

The results were announced at the World Airline Awards ceremony held in London. Saudia has shown a steady upward trajectory in the Skytrax global rankings, climbing five places in two years—from 20th in 2024, to 17th in 2025, and now 15th in 2026.

This progress extended to Saudia’s cabin crew, who topped the Skytrax ranking for the Middle East. Saudia also maintained its position as the region’s leader for “Best Airline Staff in the Middle East” for the second year running. This award is based on guest evaluations of frontline staff throughout the travel journey, from airport services to the onboard experience, highlighting the integrated service provided at every touchpoint.

Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “These results reflect Saudia’s continuous progress and strengthen its presence among the world’s leading airlines. The excellence of our service and hospitality teams demonstrates the vital role of our people in driving transformation. Their efforts turn strategies into real experiences for our guests, showcasing the Kingdom’s authentic hospitality to the world. We will continue investing in people, technology, and products to enhance the travel experience and boost our global competitiveness.”

This achievement comes as Saudia redefines the guest journey by combining authentic Saudi hospitality with operational efficiency, digital solutions, and product and service development. The airline is also investing in human capital as a key factor in delivering an exceptional travel experience.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “These results are especially meaningful because they reflect what our guests experience firsthand. Our evolving guest journey puts the traveler at the heart of every detail, and it is our people who bring this vision to life. Leading the Middle East in cabin crew and winning ‘Best Airline Staff in the Middle East’ for the second year in a row confirm that our transformation is a reality our guests appreciate and trust.”

Saudia is currently undertaking the largest investment in its history to enhance the travel experience, as part of a comprehensive transformation covering every stage of the guest journey. This includes upgrades to products, cabins, seats, high-speed inflight internet, and digital services, as well as continued investment in talent, laying the foundation for a new era of travel and strengthening the national carrier’s global competitiveness.