For most of us, choosing an airline to fly with will come down to the basics: cost and timing. But if you’re more of a choosy traveller, it’s handy to know which ones can be hit and miss when it comes to punctuality and service, and which ones are operational award-winners.
That’s where the World Travel Awards come in. The ‘Oscars of Tourism’ just announced a shedload of European winners at its 32nd annual ceremony held in Sardinia, and German airline Lufthansa was crowned Europe’s leading airline for 2025. Not only that, but it also cinched the prize as the best economy class airline and the best airline brand.
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Lufthansa crowned as the best airline and best economy class in Europe
Lufthansa won the coveted title in 2024 – as well as 11 other years since the awards launched back in the early ‘90s. It operates in more than 200 places, making it the second-largest airline in Europe (after Ryanair).
Elsewhere, Swiss International Airlines was crowned the winner in both the business class and first class categories. Find the full list of winners on the World Travel Awards website, and have a look at the very best European airlines below.
These are Europe’s 10 best airlines in 2025
- Air France
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Icelandair
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Lufthansa
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
Did you see that this airline is now charging passengers an extra fee to recline their seat?
Plus: All the European airport, airline and transport strikes to watch out for right now.
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