Emirates Wins Best Airline Worldwide at 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards

In a glittering ceremony held in Dubai on 23 June 2026, Emirates was crowned Best Airline Worldwide at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards. The carrier also took home Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East, a trio of accolades that underscore its relentless focus on customer experience and fleet renewal.

The BTME Awards are decided by readers of Business Traveller Middle East, a leading travel‑industry publication. Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the trophies on the airline’s behalf. The wins come as part of a broader strategy that includes a large fleet retrofit programme and the introduction of new aircraft.

Emirates is currently refurbishing 219 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, while new Airbus A350 deliveries are expanding the airline’s modern cabin offerings. The upgraded and new aircraft now serve more than 70 Emirates destinations worldwide, providing a consistent inflight experience for passengers travelling to, from, or through Dubai.

First‑class service remains a key differentiator for Emirates. The airline’s First‑Class cabins feature enclosed private suites, a dine‑on‑demand menu with regionally inspired dishes, unlimited caviar paired with Dom Pérignon champagne, and luxury amenity kits from Bulgari and Byredo. On the A380, passengers can use the Onboard Lounge, a spa‑style area that offers showers and relaxation facilities. The premium experience extends beyond the cabin: Emirates offers chauffeur‑drive services in close to 90 destinations, priority airport handling, and lounge access in more than 30 cities worldwide.

The airline’s First‑Class Lounges at Dubai International Airport earned the Best Airport Lounge award. Located in Terminal 3, the three lounges provide à‑la‑carte dining, complimentary spa treatments, a duty‑free shopping area, an extensive wine selection, and direct boarding access from selected gates. The lounges are open to First‑Class passengers and Emirates Skywards Platinum members.

Emirates is also expanding its connectivity offering. The carrier has equipped 36 aircraft with Starlink, a satellite‑based high‑speed internet service. When the rollout is complete, Emirates will operate the world’s largest Starlink‑enabled international wide‑body fleet, allowing passengers to stream, game, call, and browse during flights.

In addition to connectivity, Emirates has launched Comprehensive Travel Cover insurance, the first of its kind in the industry. The policy provides protection for travellers against a range of risks, adding another layer of service to the airline’s product portfolio.

Looking ahead, Emirates will begin a daily flight to Helsinki in October 2026. The new route will be the only year‑round, direct link between Finland and the United Arab Emirates, expanding the airline’s network in Northern Europe.

Emirates’ achievements at the BTME Awards reflect a sustained focus on fleet renewal, premium service, and technological innovation. The airline’s continued investment in both on‑board experience and ground amenities positions it as a leading carrier in the competitive Middle‑East aviation market.

The awards underscore Emirates’ status as the world’s largest long‑haul airline and the largest carrier in the Middle East, operating more than 3,600 flights per week from Dubai’s Terminal 3 and serving over 150 cities across six continents.

With the combination of upgraded aircraft, enhanced First‑Class amenities, expanded connectivity, and new route launches, Emirates is reinforcing its commitment to providing a consistent, high‑quality travel experience for passengers worldwide.