The best airlines in Asia

Skytrax’s best airline of the year 2024 title was awarded to Asian airline Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways is known for comfortable seats, fine-dining quality cuisine, and award-winning service. The airline is part of the oneworld Alliance and serves over 150 destinations worldwide with a fleet of over 200 planes. The carrier only operates new-generation aircraft with all planes under five years old. The QSuite is one of the best business class options in the industry, as it can be configured with double beds.

Time Out tip Book a flight with a long layover of at least six hours in Doha, Qatar to partake in the airline’s city tour program.

Since 2019, Singapore Airlines has taken the crown annually for the leading airline in Asia in the ranking published by the World Travel Awards. For two decades, the airline has operated the world’s longest flight between Singapore and New York with a duration of 19 hours flying over 15,300 kilometres. The airline is part of the Star Alliance and has a fleet of over 180 aircraft that fly to over 110 destinations. It offers many seating options from ultra-luxurious suites to spacious premium economy seating. Singapore Airlines is a preferred airline as well due to the gourmet quality of in-flight meals and the remarkable service from the flight stewards. 

Time Out tip Singapore Airlines owns budget Asian carrier Scoot which was awarded the title of the World's Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline in 2024.

Emirates is a member of Star Alliance and is considered one of the world’s most luxurious airlines. It connects travellers to over 150 destinations worldwide from its hub in Dubai. Emirates’ first class and business class are extraordinary, with lay-flat bed seats and in-flight showers, while economy class also provides super spacious seating. The airline crew is arguably the most diverse, with staff from 150 countries. It’s also award-winning for its in-flight customer service on the airline's fleet of over 250 aircrafts.

Time Out tip If you’ve never been to the United Arab Emirates and have to connect through Dubai, experience the airline’s Dubai Stopover program and see the “Gulf Tiger” city.

Another Star Alliance airline that’s preferred for long-haul flights to Asia is All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline. ANA is based in Tokyo and operates 240 passenger jets to over 80 international routes and more than 115 domestic routes. 

Time Out tip ANA All Nippon Airways is quite costly compared to other Japanese airlines but the comfort and quality of service is top-notch even in Economy class.

Cathay Pacific Airways is considered the premier trans-Pacific airline with service to over 200 destinations around the globe and a fleet of nearly 200 aircraft. The airline was a founding member of the oneworld Alliance. The Signature Lounges make long layovers less of a nuisance — especially in the airline's base of Hong Kong where passengers have access to several world-renowned lounges with superb food and beverages. Cathay Pacific is also a greener choice as it was the first airline to invest in sustainable biofuel research and development.

Time Out tip The airline has new Premium Economy seating on its current fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Japan Airlines is a mid-range airline carrier in Asia known for “omotenashi”, meaning traditional Japanese hospitality. The economy class of Japan Airlines is renowned for generous legroom while business and first class seats transform into fully flat beds. It flies to around 350 airports, operates over 230 aircraft, and is part of the oneworld Alliance. 

Time Out tip Japan Airlines’ economy class is award-winning, so you don’t have to book business class to experience the airline’s celebrated service and modern amenities.

It’s easy to explore Asia with EVA Air, a Taiwanese airline with an extensive network across the continent. The airline is a member of Star Alliance and created the world’s first premium economy class. It’s beloved for its Hello Kitty-designed planes that feature Hello Kitty themed in-cabin amenities. EVA operates over 80 passenger aircraft flying to more than 60 destinations.

 Time Out tip EVA Air operates 87 flights per week to North America, making it one of the leading Asian carriers with the highest capacity for Trans-Pacific routes.

Launched just five years ago, Taiwan-based luxury carrier Starlux Airlines is sure flying high. It was named a Skytrax 5-star airline in 2025, and also awarded the World's Most Improved Airline Award. That puts it on par with other highly respected carriers, such as Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Currently, it serves 29 destinations from Taiwan to the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. 

Time Out tip: Starlux Airlines is launching a new nonstop service to Phoenix in February 2026, making it the first carrier to offer direct flights between Arizona and Asia. 

South Korea's national carrier, Korean Air, stands out for more than its striking powder blue livery. It's also known for its exceptional service, top-notch meals (featuring delicious Korean staples), and exceptional comfort. In fact, it has one of the most generous economy class seat pitches – perhaps a dealbreaker for those who want as much room as possible on long-haul flights. On these accounts, Korean Air emerged as the Airline of the Year 2025 in AirlineRatings.com's World's Best Airlines Awards 2025. The airline has also maintained its 5-star rating from Skytrax for five years running.

Time Out tip: You can ask the crew for a cup of Shin Ramyun instant noodles if you get hungry in between meal services. 

Here's a low-cost airline you can absolutely trust. AirAsia is a repeat winner of Skytrax's World's Best Low-Cost Airline Award, one it has won 16 times consecutively now. Ranking #28 on the 2025 global list of top airlines, AirAsia also surpasses larger national carriers such as Thai Airways (#29) and Vietnam Airlines (#62). For us, AirAsia is hard to beat due to its affordable prices, good safety record, and sheer connectivity across the region. 

Time Out tip: Download the AirAsia MOVE app to book flights from over 700 airlines (including AirAsia itself), rack up loyalty points for rewards, and get great deals on flights, hotels, food and drinks, shopping, and more.