AirAsia named World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 17th consecutive year by travellers worldwide
The passenger-voted honour marks AirAsia's 25 years of making air travel more accessible and affordable, reflecting the trust of millions of guests around the world
LONDON, 18 September 2026 - AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 17th consecutive year at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, a recognition that holds particular significance as the airline celebrates 25 years of making air travel more accessible and affordable.
Widely known as the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’, the Skytrax World Airline Awards are among the most respected recognitions in global aviation, with the results based on the independent annual World Airline Survey and the views of travellers worldwide. For AirAsia, the recognition carries particular weight as a direct reflection of the trust and confidence from our guests, built up over 25 years of service.
Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia’s Co-Founder, who accepted the award on behalf of AirAsia during the ceremony, said: “We started AirAsia 25 years ago with a simple mission: to make flying accessible to more people. To see how far we've come, and to still be trusted by travellers around the world today, is something we're incredibly proud of. The Skytrax recognition is a reflection of the trust travellers have placed in AirAsia and that is something we never take for granted.”
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Group, said: “This recognition is a vote of confidence from our guests, and we're grateful for their continued trust and support. Especially at a time when aviation faces so much uncertainty and geopolitical headwinds, it's a testament to the resilience, grit and uncompromising commitment of every Allstar who continues to deliver for our guests. This award truly belongs to our Allstars. As AirAsia continues to expand across Asean and beyond, we look forward to connecting more people and destinations, while staying committed to earning our guests' trust with every journey.”
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: "We congratulate AirAsia on this fabulous achievement at the 2026 World Airline Awards. This success for a record seventeenth time demonstrates the airline’s dedication to providing quality, affordable travel options for their customers. This is a most competitive and fast growing market for low cost airlines, and this award is a clear affirmation of AirAsia’s success."
Over the past 25 years, AirAsia has grown from a single low-cost airline into a global low-cost network carrier, connecting millions of guests across Asia and beyond. Through its journey, the airline has continued to evolve its network and travel experience while staying true to its commitment to making air travel accessible, affordable and offering great value.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on the independent annual World Airline Survey, which reflects passenger votes from travellers worldwide. The survey is independently conducted by Skytrax, with no entry or registration fees charged to airlines.
*AirAsia Group, formerly known as AirAsia X Berhad