News
Emirates named world’s best airline in Skytrax awards

In a gala ceremony held at Farnborough Airshow, Skytrax presented the 2016 World Airline Awards. The leaders and top management from over 40 airlines from across the globe attended the event, where Emirates was voted the World’s Best Airline by air travellers.
At the awards event, Edward Plaisted of Skytrax commented: “we are honoured to have so many airlines travel here today and receive their accolades after being voted as Best Airlines in many different categories. For many years we have been dedicated to providing a survey and awards process that remains independent, and delivering an event that is aptly known as the Passenger’s Choice Awards. We have seen many familiar names here today appearing as repeat winners, which I guess reflects that in many cases ‘once a winner, always a winner’ in many customers eyes.
Emirates was named the to the prestigious title of best airline in the world, trumping last year’s winner Qatar Airways, which came second. Emirates also scooped up the awards for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment for a record 12th consecutive year, and Best Airline in the Middle East.
Singapore Airlines took third spot, followed by Cathay Pacific, both in last year’s top five, while ANA All Nippon Airways rose two places to come fifth.
The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2016
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Qantas Airways
- Lufthansa
In other awards, Qatar Airways took gongs for the world’s best business class, best business class lounge and best airline staff in the Middle East, while Singapore was awarded the best airline in Asia and ANA All Nippon Airways was recognised for offering the world’s best airport services and having the best airline staff in Asia for the second year in a row.
Other accolades included the world’s best low-cost airline handed to Norwegian and the world’s most improved airline won by Thai Airways.
Skytrax World Airline Awards: A-Z of winners
- Aegean Airlines Best Regional Airline in Europe
- Aeroflot Russian Airlines Best Airline in Eastern Europe
- Air Astana Best Airline in Central Asia / India, Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia / India
- Air France Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining, Best First Class Comfort Amenities
- Air New Zealand World’s Best Premium Economy Class Cabin, World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat
- AirAsia World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia
- AirAsia X World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin, World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat
- ANA All Nippon Airways World’s Best Airport Services, Best Airline Staff Service in Asia
- Asiana Airlines World’s Best Economy Class, Best Economy Seat, Best Economy Class Onboard Catering
- Austrian Best Airline Staff Service in Europe Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras, Best Low-Cost Airline in South America, Best Airline Staff in South America
- Bangkok Airways World’s Best Regional Airline, Best Regional Airline in Asia
- Cathay Pacific Airways World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness, Best First Class Airline Lounge
- Copa Airlines Best Airline in Central America / Caribbean, Best Regional Airline in Central America / Caribbean, Best Airline Staff Service in Central America / Caribbean
- Emirates World’s Best Airline (Airline of the Year), World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment
- Ethiopian Airlines Best Airline Staff Service in Africa
- Etihad Airways World’s Best First Class, Best First Class Seat, Best First Class Onboard Catering
- EVA Air Best Airline Transpacific, Best Business Class Comfort Amenities
- Finnair Best Airline in Northern Europe
- flyDubai Best Low Cost Airline in the Middle East
- Garuda Indonesia World’s Best Cabin Crew
- Hainan Airlines Best Airline in China, Best Airline Staff Service in China
- Hawaiian Airlines Best Airline Staff Service in North America
- Indigo Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia / India
- Jetstar Airways Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia / Pacific
- Juneyao Airlines Best Regional Airline in China
- Kulula Best Low Cost Airline in Africa
- LAN Airlines Best Airline in South America
- Lufthansa Best Airline in Western Europe, Best Airline Transatlantic
- NorwegianWorld’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline, Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe
- Plaza Premium World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge
- Porter Airlines Best Regional Airline in North America
- Qantas Best Airline Australia in Pacific, Best Airline Staff in Australia / Pacific Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering
- Qatar Airways World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge, Best Airline Staff in the Middle East
- Royal Air Maroc Best Regional Airline in Africa
- Singapore Airlines Best Airline in Asia, Best Business Class Airline Seat
- Sky Airline Best Regional Airline South America
- South African Airways Best Airline in Africa
- Spring Airlines Best Low-Cost Airline in China
- Star AllianceWorld’s Best Airline Alliance, World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge
- Thai Airways World’s Most Improved Airline, Best Airline Lounge Spa Facility
- Thomson Airways World’s Best Leisure Airline
- Turkish Airlines Best Airline in Europe, Best Airline in Southern Europe, Best Business Class Airline Catering, Best Business Class Lounge Dining
- Virgin America Best Airline in North America, Best Low-Cost Airline in North America
Often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry”, the World Airline Awards this year welcomed entries from more airlines than ever before. The winners are then chosen based on what is said to be “the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey”.
While the figures for this year’s awards are yet to be released, last year’s survey of 18.9 million passengers saw more than 245 airlines measured on 41 key performance standards, from the quality of check-in service and boarding procedures to cabin cleanliness and other indicators.
Source: The Telegraph, London
Featured
Savour flavours of Asia at Inguru, Kuramathi’s lagoon-side gem

Nestled on the serene lagoon side of Kuramathi and overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Inguru offers more than just a dining experience—it provides a sensory escape. The restaurant’s contemporary design, featuring elegant wooden accents, open-air seating, and soothing tones, harmonises with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether serving a casual lunch or hosting a romantic evening meal, Inguru creates a stylish yet relaxed ambiance that enhances every moment. Between 11:00 and 17:00 hrs, guests can enjoy light and flavourful Asian dishes with a Western twist—ideal for a leisurely midday break by the water.
As the sun sets, Inguru transforms into a refined dinner venue, offering a curated Asian Fusion menu from 19:00 to 22:30 hrs, open to guests aged six and above. The newly introduced dishes celebrate bold, fresh flavours, including Coconut & Pineapple Cooked Shrimp Ceviche, Tarragon-Flavoured Octopus Tartare, and Soy Marinated Salmon Bruschetta. Main courses feature richly spiced Indonesian Beef Rendang, aromatic Mas Kirugarudiya reef fish curry, and Kukulhu Musanmaa presented with a modern twist on traditional recipes.
With its picturesque setting and flavourful cuisine, Inguru delivers a truly memorable island dining experience, whether by day or night.
Featured
From stillness to connection: explore Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s mindful island retreat

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, a serene barefoot sanctuary in the Maldives where eco-luxury meets authenticity, has announced the launch of Banyan Tree Connections—an exclusive, private holistic wellbeing experience for two. Available for bookings from May 2025, this programme is designed to foster meaningful connections through curated rituals that embrace mindfulness, movement, and shared renewal.
As a supplementary offering to villa reservations, the programme responds to a growing desire for intentional, immersive experiences that prioritise emotional connection in today’s fast-paced world. Rooted in Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, the journey encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and the rhythms of nature within the island’s tranquil setting.
According to Hery Koswoyo, General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, “Banyan Tree Connections was created in response to a universal longing for deeper relationships, genuine presence, and time well spent together. Here at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, our tranquil island setting offers a natural canvas for this journey where each moment is intentional and every experience grounded in the essence of the original Maldives.”
Guests can choose between 2- and 3-night immersive wellbeing programmes, each carefully crafted to cultivate presence, balance, and connection amidst the stunning Maldivian seascape.
The 2-night programme begins with a Wellbeing Consultation and a Private Yoga Duo session, aligning body and breath. Participants are then guided through a Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop and a deeply calming Breathwork & Sound Meditation. A shared 90-minute Time Together Spa Treatment fosters physical and emotional restoration, while a Private Sunset Cruise across the atoll offers serene communion with the ocean. The day concludes with a sharing-style Saffron Thai Dinner, healthy in-room snacks, and a thoughtful welcome gift to initiate the journey.
The 3-night programme deepens the experience with additional rituals, such as a Conscious Grounding Session by the beach, a Maldivian Cooking Class rooted in local traditions, and a signature Lagoon Floating Therapy session—an exclusive offering unique to Vabbinfaru. Guests also receive a holistic wellbeing treatment with a choice between acupuncture or cupping therapy. Each evening ends with nourishing Saffron Thai dinners and in-room wellness amenities, allowing guests to fully absorb the stillness and beauty of the original Maldives.
With over three decades of leadership in holistic hospitality, Banyan Tree continues to expand its wellness offerings to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers. Banyan Tree Connections at Vabbinfaru offers a rare opportunity for guests to pause, reflect, and reconnect in a setting that remains true to the timeless spirit of the Maldives.
Featured
Endless summer awaits: discover Milaidhoo’s ultimate Maldivian escape

This summer, Milaidhoo invites guests to experience a season of discovery, where each day flows in harmony with the ocean’s rhythms. The resort introduces Endless Summer, a limited-time offer crafted for dreamers, explorers, and those who find meaning in both grand adventures and quiet moments. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is not just a destination—it is a personal island story waiting to unfold.
From 1st May to 31st October, nature takes center stage as Hanifaru Bay becomes home to the breathtaking Manta Reunion—one of the Maldives’ most magical marine spectacles. During this time, dozens of manta rays elegantly glide through the warm waters. Milaidhoo’s guests enjoy exclusive access to this extraordinary event through specially designed excursions that offer close encounters with these gentle giants—experiences that remain vivid long after summer ends.
Whether relaxing in a private pool villa, savouring breakfast with uninterrupted views of the ocean, or embarking on curated island experiences, Endless Summer combines all the essential elements of a perfect Maldivian escape. Guests staying four nights or more unlock a range of curated benefits designed to enhance their stay. These include daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at the renowned Ocean Restaurant, rejuvenating daily yoga sessions, and much more.
To celebrate the manta ray season, the offer includes 30% savings on Manta Reunion excursions—an exceptional opportunity to engage deeply with the marine world. Additional benefits include 30% discounts on selected spa treatments and group adventures that showcase the area’s rich marine biodiversity and local culture. Guests also receive USD 150 resort credit per room, per stay, ideal for spontaneous indulgences that elevate the experience.
With early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), every moment at Milaidhoo is extended, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the island’s laid-back luxury.
Offer Includes:
- Daily breakfast at Ocean Restaurant
- Daily à la carte dinner at Ocean Restaurant
- 30% savings on Manta Reunion excursions
- 30% discount on selected spa treatments
- 30% off handpicked group adventures and excursions
- USD 150 resort credit per room, per stay
- Complimentary daily yoga sessions (as per resort schedule)
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Terms & Conditions:
- A minimum stay of four (4) nights is required.
- Offer valid for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2025.
This summer, Milaidhoo offers more than just a retreat—it offers a chapter in a guest’s personal journey, where barefoot luxury meets the wonders of the sea.
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