This Asian airline has just been named the world's best for 2025 (and it's not Singapore Airlines)

What comes tops for you when choosing an airline to fly with? For most, safety would win out. And in a world of shrinking in-flight leg space, we reckon that roomy seats would rank high too.

If those are boxes that you need to tick, take it from AirlineRatings, Korean Air is the best airline in the world to jet set with. The airline just topped the platform's ranking for the World's Best Airlines for 2025. The results are based on traveller feedback and expert editor reviews, plus factors like safety ratings, financial stability, and innovation. 

This year, Korean Air edges out 2024's winner, Qatar Airways, thanks to one thing: it's majorly roomy economy class seats. While many airlines have added extra seats per row on 777 aircraft and downsized seat pitch in economy class to 31 to 32 inches, AirlineRatings notes that Korean Air has eschewed this trend. Instead, the airline has kept its original seat configuration – and seat pitch is a supremely comfortable 33 to 34 inches. Perhaps this will send a message to airlines to keep seating space spacious and comfortable? 

Korean Air's recent merger with AsianaAirlines also tipped things in the brand's favour. The consolidation put Korean Air in good business standing, which it followed up with significant investments in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft – a good sign of its commitment to efficiency and innovation. 

Korean Air flies to more than 150 destinations globally, including hotspots like Bangkok, Tokyo, and London. It could also be your ticket to less-touristed destinations in South Korea, flying to places like Gwangju, Ulsan, and Sokcho. Explore your options and book a flight here. 

Where do other well-respected Asian airlines like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways stand? At a very respectable #5 and #4, respectively. Other Asian airlines like Japan Airlines and Thai Airways also make the list. 

Here are AirlineRatings' top 25 full service airlines for 2025:

1. Korean Air

2. Qatar

3. Air New Zealand

4. Cathay Pacific

5. Singapore Airlines

6. Emirates

7. Japan Airlines

8. Qantas

9. Etihad

10. Turkish Airlines

11. EVA Air

12. Fiji Airways

13. Virgin Atlantic

14. ANA

15. Aero Mexico

16. Air Caraibes

17. Thai Airways

18. STARLUX Airlines

19. Vietnam Airlines

20. Sri Lankan Airlines

21. Air France

22. KLM 

23. Air Calin

24. Air Mauritius

25. Garuda Indonesia

Planning your next holiday? Here are more reliable Asian airlines to fly with. 

Plus: spectacular destinations in the region to travel to.