Emirates named Best Airline in the Middle East at APEX 2026
Emirates crowned best airline in the Middle East following APEX awards in Dublin, recognised for seat comfort, hospitality, dining, entertainment and connectivity.
Emirates has been named “Best Airline in the Middle East” at the APEX Best Airline Awards 2026, an accolade announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland. The victory was awarded on the basis of verified passenger reviews that measured performance across five core pillars of the passenger experience.
The APEX recognition highlights the carrier’s consistent customer scores for seat comfort, onboard service standards, in-flight dining, entertainment provision and internet connectivity. Airline officials said the award reinforces Emirates’ position among the world’s leading travel brands.
APEX award announced in Dublin
The APEX awards ceremony in Dublin brought together industry peers and airline representatives to celebrate carriers judged by travellers. Emirates received top marks from a global sample of passengers in the region-focused category.
APEX based its decision on documented traveller feedback across multiple routes and cabin classes, producing comparative results that placed Emirates ahead of regional rivals. The honour is part of APEX’s annual programme that rates airlines on passenger-sourced metrics.
Passenger ratings reward five service pillars
APEX’s evaluation framework considered five principal areas: seat comfort, onboard service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment and connectivity. Emirates scored strongly in each pillar, according to the results cited at the event.
The combined performance across these measures reflected a broad-based appreciation from customers, from economy travellers to premium-class flyers. Officials highlighted that sustained performance across all dimensions was key to securing the regional top spot.
Seat comfort and Safran Z400 rollout
Passengers consistently praised Emirates for cabin design and seating comfort across its Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 fleets. Feedback referenced generous personal space, ergonomic seats and cabin layouts that support rest, work and sleep on long-haul services.
As part of a fleet refresh, Emirates will introduce new Safran Z400 economy seats beginning in October 2026. The lighter-generation seats include an eight-way adjustable headrest and are engineered to improve comfort on both short and ultra-long flights.
Cabin crew diversity and Michelin-inspired training
Emirates’ cabin crew, drawn from more than 140 nationalities and fluent in over 70 languages, were singled out for delivering attentive service. The airline’s hospitality model is built on principles the carrier describes as excellence, attention to detail, innovation and passion.
Training for cabin staff includes modules inspired by Michelin-star service standards, combining practical hospitality techniques with cultural sensitivity and proactive passenger care. Executives say the blended training approach helps crews anticipate needs and deliver personalized service.
In-flight dining and special-meal options praised
Dining aboard Emirates was highlighted as a differentiator, with multi-course meals that draw on global flavours and destination-inspired menus. Passengers have access to a broad beverage selection and specially prepared children’s meals on many services.
Emirates also offers an extensive range of special meals tailored to dietary, medical and cultural requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium options. The airline’s catering teams emphasise fresh preparation and menu diversity across travel classes.
ICE entertainment catalogue and family content
Emirates’ ICE entertainment system remains a sector benchmark with an expansive content library of more than 6,500 channels. The platform hosts roughly 3,000 films, around 3,000 music albums and hundreds of television series and documentaries, providing options for diverse passenger tastes.
ICE also features dedicated children’s programming and live sports feeds, making it a comprehensive onboard entertainment solution for families and frequent flyers. The system’s breadth was cited by passengers as a key element of their positive travel experience.
Starlink partnership accelerates high-speed connectivity
Emirates has been rolling out Starlink connectivity following an agreement signed in November 2025, aiming to equip its fleet with high-speed internet capabilities. The carrier said the programme is scheduled for completion by mid-2027 and has already fitted 33 Boeing 777 aircraft with the system.
Three Airbus A380s equipped with Starlink have entered service, allowing passengers on those routes to make video calls, stream live content and work online with minimal interruption. Emirates provides Starlink connectivity to travellers at no charge on participating aircraft, underscoring its emphasis on seamless in-flight connectivity.
The APEX award adds to a series of industry recognitions that Emirates has attained for product and service excellence in recent years. For passengers, the combination of upgraded seating, extensive entertainment, enhanced internet access and a globally diverse cabin crew helped cement the carrier’s reputation and secured the regional accolade.
