It looks like this is setting up to be a good year for Hong Kong’s air carriers. After HK Express was named the fastest-growing airline in the world last month, airline ratings and reviews platform AirlineRatings.com has just published their World’s Best Airline Awards for 2025, and our city’s air travel providers have been crowned twice.
Cathay Pacific is ranked number four on their list of best airlines in the world, sitting higher than Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Japan Airlines, which are ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Qatar and Air New Zealand have pipped us to the post at second and third place, while the airline of the year goes to Korean Air.
According to AirlineRatings, the South Korean carrier won for its exceptional focus on passenger comfort, particularly in economy, evident in its refusal to reduce seat space and thoughtful touches like providing slippers on long-haul flights and generous meal portions. The airline is also notable for its financial security, significant investments in innovation and fuel-efficient aircrafts, and its recent merger with Asiana Airlines, the largest consolidation in Asian aviation history.
On AirlineRatings’ list of best low-cost airlines, Hong Kong’s HK Express also came in at fourth place, ahead of other budget carriers like FlyDubai, Ryanair, Scoot, and Breeze. The list is topped by AirAsia, Jetstar, and AirBaltic in first to third spots, respectively.
According to the ratings platform, these rankings are based on passenger comfort, feedback, and product consistency across airlines’ route networks. Nominees in the best airlines list have to provide comprehensive full-service experiences, including meals, snacks, and drinks, regardless of flight duration. The seat pitch – the distance between a seat and the one in front of it – in economy class must be at least 31 inches, and a seven-star safety rating is required. As for the low-cost airlines list, the platform considers whether they have a good route network, low base fares, affordable on-board services, and additional services for purchase like Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment.
Considering that AirlineRatings’ curated rankings are ‘not a popularity contest or a people’s choice award’, would you be choosing to travel with Korean Air next, or will you be staying with Hong Kong’s own Cathay Pacific? Head to AirlineRatings.com to see their full airline awards lists.
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