Virgin Atlantic Named Best Airline in Europe at 2026 APEX Awards

Virgin Atlantic has been awarded the Best Overall Airline in Europe for 2026 at the annual Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Awards. The accolades, which are based on millions of anonymous traveler reviews, assess excellence in areas including cabin service, seat comfort, onboard dining, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

This recognition comes as Virgin Atlantic continues to expand its international network, recently launching flights to Seoul, South Korea, and planning a seasonal route to Phuket, Thailand, later this year. The airline, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, saw its onboard experience recognized by passengers.

"Passenger feedback remains one of the clearest indicators of how airlines are delivering on the experiences travellers value most," said APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader.

Several other airlines received honors in the European categories. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was recognized for Best Cabin Service. Turkish Airlines earned awards for Best Entertainment and Best Food & Beverage. Finnair was named Best Seat Comfort, and airBaltic received the award for Best Wi-Fi.

Globally, Korean Air was named Best Cabin Service worldwide. Emirates took home the award for Best Entertainment, and Qatar Airways won Best Food & Beverage globally, noted for its premium onboard dining. Delta Air Lines was recognized for Best Wi-Fi, and EVA Air received the award for Best Seat Comfort.

The awards highlight the increasing importance of the passenger experience, with airlines worldwide investing in improvements such as better food and faster Wi-Fi.

Separately, seven airports were recognized as the most beautiful in the world by the French design and architecture awards body, the Prix Versailles, at an event held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The criteria for these awards include aesthetic, social, cultural, and ecological features. No UK airport hubs were selected for the 2026 list.