Europe’s best airline has been announced in the ‘Oscars of Tourism’ – cinching the title for the second consecutive year.
For many passengers, choosing an airline often comes down to basics such as cost, convenience, and schedule.
But for those who value consistency, punctuality, and service, the World Travel Awards recognises excellence across every corner of the global travel and tourism industry.
The 32nd annual ceremony, held this week in Sardinia, Italy, celebrated standout performers across Europe’s travel sphere – from airlines and airports, to hotels, resorts and even theme parks.
And seizing the crown for Europe’s Leading Airline in 2025 is German carrier, Lufthansa.
Not only did it secure the coveted title for a second year in a row, it also picked up awards for Europe’s Best Economy Class Airline and Europe’s Best Airline Brand.
The winner was determined through a dual voting system that saw qualified travel executives, consumers and travel buyers cast their votes, with votes from travel professionals carrying more weight than those from the public.
Nine other nominees were in the running for the top spot, including Air France, British Airways, Iberia, Icelandair, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines.
Seizing the crown for Europe’s Leading Airline in 2025 is German carrier, Lufthansa (pictured)
Lufthansa’s sister carrier, Swiss International Air Lines (pictured), also emerged victorious, taking home awards for both Europe’s Leading Business Class and Europe’s Leading First Class
Operating flights to more than 200 destinations, Lufthansa remains Europe’s second-largest airline by passenger volume, behind Ryanair.
Lufthansa’s sister carrier, Swiss International Air Lines, also emerged victorious, taking home awards for both Europe’s Leading Business Class and Europe’s Leading First Class.
Zurich Airport continued Switzerland’s streak after it was named Europe’s Leading Airport 2025.
Elsewhere, the UK saw notable success, with Heathrow Terminal 2’s No 1 Lounge taking home the award for Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge 2025.
In addition, Europe’s Most Romantic Resort 2025 was awarded to Swinney Wood Log Cabins, located in Belper, Derbyshire.
It comes after the UK’s most reliable airline for 2025 was revealed – with the budget favourite cancelling just 0.02 per cent of its flights.
Budget carrier Jet2 was crowned the very best by AirAdvisor and boasts an impressive cancellation rate of just 0.02 per cent.
The airline serves 17million passengers a year and is based at 13 airports across the UK.
Elsewhere, the UK saw notable success, with Heathrow Terminal 2’s No 1 Lounge (pictured) taking home the award for Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge 2025
It cancelled fewer than two in every 10,000 flights despite disruptions including strikes and poor weather.
As for Jet2’s on-time arrival rate, it had a strong 75.75 per cent in 2023 and dropped slightly to 67.4 per cent the following year.
Another budget airline, easyJet, ranked in second place and proved to be consistently reliable with a cancellation rate of 1.65 per cent in 2023 and 1.1 per cent in 2024.
It’s the UK’s largest airline in terms of the number of flights it provides and last year saw 391,784 journeys.
