Cathay Pacific has emerged as Bangladesh's Airline of the Year 2026, while US-Bangla Airlines secured three major gold awards, underscoring the growing competition for service excellence in the country's international and domestic aviation markets.

The two carriers were among the biggest winners at the 11th ShareTrip–Monitor Airline of the Year Awards, held at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport on Sunday evening, celebrating outstanding airline performance, passenger experience and operational excellence.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific claimed the coveted Airline of the Year 2026 title, alongside the Gold Award for Best Economy Class and several Silver Awards, reaffirming its standing among international carriers serving Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, US-Bangla Airlines emerged as a standout domestic winner, securing Gold Awards for Domestic Airline of the Year, Most Improved Airline and Best Airport Service (Domestic).

The triple recognition highlighted the private carrier's growing prominence in Bangladesh's aviation market, particularly in domestic connectivity, passenger services and improvements in airline operations.

For US-Bangla, the awards represent recognition of its efforts to strengthen operational capabilities, enhance the passenger experience and compete on service standards in an increasingly demanding aviation environment.

The airline's achievement comes as it pursues a major modernisation programme, including a planned investment of approximately US$22 million in ground service equipment to improve operational efficiency, flight punctuality and passenger handling.

Under the plan, US-Bangla aims to add 146 units of equipment to its existing fleet of 590, including the introduction of 80 electric vehicles for ground operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The investment initiative reflects the airline's broader ambition to upgrade airport services alongside its continuing fleet expansion.

Cathay strengthens premium positioning

Cathay Pacific's top recognition was complemented by its Gold Award for Best Economy Class, a category closely associated with passenger comfort, onboard services and overall travel experience.

Its success in multiple categories highlighted the carrier's competitive positioning in the Bangladesh market, where passenger expectations regarding service quality, reliability and value continue to evolve.

Ahmed Reza, Country Manager – Sales and Marketing for Bangladesh and Bhutan at Cathay Pacific, received the Airline of the Year trophy from Nasser Rahman MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Land.

Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, were also present during the presentation.

US-Bangla's Domestic Airline of the Year trophy was received by Md Shafiqul Islam, Head of Marketing and Sales, and Md Kamrul Islam, General Manager, Public Relations.

Global aviation giants share honours

Among other international carriers, Emirates delivered a strong performance, winning four Gold Awards for Best Business Class, Best In-flight Entertainment, Best In-flight Meal in Business Class and Best Loyalty Programme for its Emirates Skywards programme.

Singapore Airlines earned Gold Awards for Best Cabin Service in Economy Class and Best Airline Cabin Crew, reflecting its recognition for inflight hospitality and service delivery.

National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines secured two Gold Awards for Best In-flight Meal in Economy Class and Best Wage-Earner-Friendly Airline.

The latter award recognised the carrier's performance in a passenger segment particularly important to Bangladesh, where millions of expatriate workers depend on international air connectivity.

Turkish Airlines won Best Long-Haul Airline and Outstanding Community Service, while Qatar Airways was named Best Medium-Haul Airline.

Thai Airways received the Best Short-Haul Airline award, IndiGo claimed Best Budget Airline, and Malaysia Airlines was recognised as Best Student-Friendly Airline.

In aviation logistics, Saudia Cargo secured the Cargo Airline of the Year award, while DSV Bangladesh received Gold for Best Freight Forwarder and Logistics Service Provider.

Airport hospitality also featured prominently, with EBL SkyLounge winning Best International Airport Lounge and MTB Air Lounge receiving Best Domestic Airport Lounge.

Passenger voices shape recognition

Organised by The Bangladesh Monitor, the awards covered 26 airline service categories, with Gold and Silver honours presented to outstanding performers.

Nearly 2,400 frequent flyers participated in an online poll conducted between July 21 and August 25, evaluating airlines based on their travel experiences over the preceding year.

The final selections combined passenger preferences with assessments by an independent jury chaired by Syed Ershad Ahmed, former President of AMCHAM Bangladesh.

The programme also recognised the country's 10 most popular airline brands based on passenger traffic and public perception.

Veteran aviation and tourism personality S. A. Reza Hossain received the Jury's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to Bangladesh's aviation and tourism industries.

The gala ceremony brought together senior government officials, airline executives, aviation professionals and representatives of the travel industry.

ShareTrip supported the event as title sponsor, while global distribution system provider Sabre and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport joined as partners.

Launched in 2007, the ShareTrip–Monitor Airline of the Year Awards have evolved into a platform for recognising airline service excellence and encouraging competition across Bangladesh's aviation sector.

This year's results spotlighted two distinct achievements: Cathay Pacific's success in international passenger service and US-Bangla Airlines' recognition for domestic aviation performance and improvement.

Together, their victories reflected an increasingly competitive airline market where operational efficiency, passenger satisfaction, and service innovation are becoming central to airline performance and brand reputation.