Emirates crowned ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at 2026 APEX Awards

Emirates has been named ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading travel brands. The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, where the airline was recognised for consistently delivering exceptional customer experience.

Award Recognition
- Title: Best Overall Airline in the Middle East
- Event: 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, Dublin, Ireland
- Basis: Verified passenger feedback across five pillars — seat comfort, cabin service, food & beverage, entertainment, and connectivity.

Seat Comfort
- Economy: New Safran Z400 seats with 8-way adjustable headrests (from Oct 2026).
- Premium Economy: Spacious cream leather seats, recline + leg/footrests, cocktail tables, 13.3-inch screens.
- Business Class: Safran S Lounge-inspired seats, lie-flat beds, wireless charging, mood lighting.
- First Class: Fully enclosed private suites, climate control, zero-gravity seating — “hotel room in the sky.”

Cabin Service
- Crew from 140+ nationalities, 70+ languages.
- Training inspired by Michelin-star hospitality.
- Service flows choreographed for seamless, personalised care.

Food & Beverage
- Economy: Multi-course meals, seasonal treats, special meals for dietary/cultural needs.
- Premium Economy: Meals on Royal Doulton china, exclusive Chandon sparkling wine.
- Business Class: Gourmet menus paired with Moët & Chandon champagnes.
- First Class: Dine-on-demand, unlimited caviar, Dom Pérignon champagne, luxury snacks (Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls).

Entertainment – ice System
- 6,500+ channels: films, TV, music, podcasts, live sports, kids’ content.
- Partnerships with Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Discovery+, BBC, Spotify.
- Nearly 3,000 movies and 600+ TV box sets available.

Connectivity
- Partnership with Starlink for ultra-fast inflight Wi-Fi.
- Already installed on 33 Boeing 777-300ERs and 3 Airbus A380s.
- Rollout across entire fleet by mid-2027.
- Enables streaming, gaming, video calls, remote work.

This award underscores Emirates’ strategy of blending luxury, innovation, and consistency across every cabin class. It’s not just about flying — it’s about creating a seamless lifestyle experience in the sky.