Dubai-based airline Emirates has been named the "Best Overall Airline in the Middle East" at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, the carrier announced on Thursday, citing high ratings from passengers across key areas of the travel experience.

The award was presented during a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, and was based on verified passenger feedback collected through the travel-organizing platform TripIt. According to Emirates, the airline received strong scores in five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and onboard connectivity.

Emirates said its fleet-wide cabin modernization programme and investments in passenger comfort contributed to this recognition. The airline highlighted upgrades across all cabin classes, including the introduction of new Economy Class seats from October and enhanced seating products in Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.

The carrier also pointed to its multinational cabin crew, representing more than 140 nationalities and speaking over 70 languages, as a key factor behind its customer service ratings. Emirates said its crew members undergo extensive hospitality and service training to improve the passenger experience.

Food and beverage offerings were another area cited in the award assessment. Emirates said it continues to expand its menu options across cabin classes, including special meals catering to dietary, medical, and cultural requirements. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class passengers also have access to upgraded dining services and premium beverage selections.

The airline's inflight entertainment platform, known as "ICE," was also recognised. Emirates said the system offers more than 6,500 channels of content, including films, television programmes, music, podcasts, live sports, and educational material through partnerships with major content providers.

Connectivity was another factor in the airline's performance. Emirates said it is rolling out Starlink-powered internet across its fleet following an agreement announced in 2025. The airline reported that 33 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and three Airbus A380s have already been equipped with the technology, with full fleet installation expected by mid-2027.

The APEX Best in Airline Awards rely on anonymous passenger ratings collected through TripIt, which Concur operates. For the 2026 edition, the evaluation covered more than one million flights across over 600 airlines worldwide, using a five-star rating system.

The latest recognition comes as Emirates continues to invest heavily in fleet upgrades, digital services, and customer experience initiatives amid growing competition among global carriers for premium and long-haul travellers.

Source: Emirates PR