- Doha-based airline Qatar Airways is voted best in the skies – and on the ground at the Business Traveller Awards 2025
Qatar Airways emerged as the standout winner at this year’s Business Traveller Awards, capturing first place in five of the seven categories for which it was eligible. The carrier even earned indirect distinction through its home base at Doha Hamad International Airport – where it commands an 81% market share – which placed second behind Singapore Changi.
The passenger experience at Hamad is fundamentally shaped by Qatar Airways, whose transiting passengers define much of the airport’s standards. Arguably, the only reason Qatar did not sweep the awards outright (bar first class) is its lack of a premium economy product, rendering it ineligible in that category.
A Near Sweep at the Top
For each category, the Business Traveller Awards panel gave a Top 5 ranking, and Qatar Airways was not the only carrier to make multiple appearances. Singapore Airlines, for instance, featured in seven of the eight eligible categories – missing only a lounge award – placing second in five and winning Best First Class while operating from the world’s top-ranked airport.
Emirates also appeared in seven of eight categories, while Cathay Pacific featured in five, and both Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic appeared in three apiece. Qatar Airways was therefore not alone in demonstrating broad, consistent excellence.
With the highest average rating overall at this year’s Business Traveller Awards, Qatar Airways’ recognition as the World’s Best Airline comes as little surprise. Still, it’s worth examining whether the accolades are uniformly warranted.
Lounges Worthy of the Hype
When analysed on a category-by-category basis, the defensibility of the awards varies. Take, for instance, the three Al Mourjan lounges at Doha Hamad International Airport. These are truly world-class facilities – spacious, architecturally striking and replete with fine dining, elegant design and first-rate amenities for premium passengers and elite oneworld travellers in transit.
The other winning lounges – Cathay Pacific’s at Hong Kong, Virgin Atlantic’s at Heathrow, Emirates’ at Dubai, and Turkish Airlines’ at Istanbul – each present strong cases for recognition (particularly Dubai, which uniquely allows passengers to board flights directly from the lounge). Still, the Al Mourjan lounges are justifiably considered best in class, offering a scale and sense of refinement that few rivals can match.
Gold Standard in Business Class
Similarly, Qatar’s Qsuite Business Class remains a benchmark in the aviation industry. Since its debut in 2017, Qsuite has garnered acclaim as the finest business class product in the world, setting new standards for comfort and privacy. Each suite features sliding doors, lie-flat beds with high-end bedding, premium amenities, and exceptional onboard dining.
While some competitors have since introduced enclosed suites, one defining Qsuite innovation remains unmatched: its convertible centre seats, which can be joined to create a double bed. This allows couples to sleep side by side – a feature otherwise found only in first class on select Singapore Airlines and China Eastern aircraft. For business class, it’s unique.
“Being able to fly and fall asleep side by side with my wife was such a special way to kick off and finish our honeymoon together,” said Ethan Robinson, a New York-based frequent flyer. “No other business class in the world offered us that.”
Seasoned global traveller James He, a two-million-miler with American Airlines, echoed that sentiment, noting that Qatar’s premium experience is far more than a seat. “Great food. Great amenities onboard. Dine on demand. Diptyque high-end amenities. Pyjamas,” he said. “Qatar even has special immigration clearance for first and business class passengers upon arrival in Doha, plus a separate check-in counter exclusive to them – one that oneworld status members can’t access.” These small but meaningful touches, he added, “make Qatar’s premium cabin feel like it’s on an entirely different level.”
Frequent Flyer Debates
Qatar’s recognition for Best Economy Class is also defensible, though not uncontested. Air New Zealand’s innovative Skycouch – allowing passengers to convert a row of three economy seats into a makeshift bed – could arguably elevate its economy product above the rest, just as Qsuites distinguishes Qatar’s business class.
If comfort and seat width were prioritised over service and amenities, Japanese carriers such as ANA and Japan Airlines might reclaim top positions thanks to their less dense configurations and wider seats.
Perhaps the most debatable win for Qatar Airways lies in its frequent flyer programme, Privilege Club. By most objective measures – award availability on Qatar and its partners, redemption flexibility, elite benefits, and recognition – it falls short of several non-ranked competitors.
Programmes such as Flying Blue, Aeroplan, AAdvantage and Atmos Rewards arguably outperform it across these metrics, making Privilege Club’s placement at the top difficult to justify.
Qatar Airways: A Deserving Champion
Even if some individual category results invite debate, Qatar Airways’ overall ranking as the World’s Best Airline remains well earned. The carrier consistently delivers a premium experience defined by exceptional service, luxurious lounges and innovative cabin design. In an era when global airlines are pushing boundaries in comfort and service, Qatar Airways continues to set the pace.
Artículo publicado originalmente por businesstraveller.com
