For frequent flyers across Europe, choosing an airline often comes down to personal priorities: in-flight dining, seat comfort, connectivity, or cabin service. The 2026 APEX Best Awards, released by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), now offer a data-driven guide based on millions of passenger ratings.
The awards, established in 2021, evaluate carriers across five categories: cabin service, entertainment, food and beverages, seat comfort, and wifi. Passengers submit their feedback through the TripIt from Concur app, rating flights on a scale of one to five. This year’s results highlight which European airlines are investing most in the onboard experience.
European Winners Across Key Categories
Turkish Airlines emerged as the only European carrier to win in two categories, taking top honours for both entertainment and food and beverages. The Istanbul-based airline has long invested in its culinary offerings, and this recognition underscores its commitment to passenger satisfaction.
For travellers who prioritise attentive cabin service, KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, was named best in Europe. The Amsterdam-based airline has a reputation for efficient and friendly crew, a factor that clearly resonates with its passengers.
Unsurprisingly, airBaltic won the award for best wifi. The Latvian carrier became the first airline in Europe to deploy Starlink satellite internet in early 2025, offering high-speed connectivity across its fleet. This innovation has set a new standard for in-flight internet in the region.
When it comes to seat comfort, Finnair took the top spot. The Helsinki-based airline has invested in modern cabin interiors, particularly on its long-haul routes, providing passengers with ergonomic seating that makes a difference on longer journeys.
Overall, the best airline in Europe was named Virgin Atlantic. The UK carrier, based at London Heathrow and Gatwick, impressed passengers across all categories, securing the top spot in the continent-wide ranking.
APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader commented: “Passenger feedback remains one of the clearest indicators of how airlines are delivering on the experiences travellers value most. This year’s APEX Best Award winners are turning passenger insights into meaningful innovation. By listening, adapting, and investing, they are raising expectations, shaping the future of the onboard experience, and setting new benchmarks for service and innovation across the industry.”
While no European airline won in the global categories, the regional winners reflect a competitive landscape where carriers are increasingly focusing on passenger experience to differentiate themselves. For travellers planning their next trip, these awards offer a reliable benchmark—whether you are flying from Paris to Prague or from Berlin to Barcelona.
For more on aviation safety, see our coverage of the EU Air Safety List, which bans 154 airlines from European skies. And if you are curious about how budget carriers are adjusting fares amid geopolitical tensions, read our analysis on why budget airlines slash fares amid Middle East conflict.
