Canadian airlines took home several major honours at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with Air Transat named World’s Best Leisure Airline, Air Canada repeating as Best Airline in North America and Porter Airlines securing its third consecutive win as Best Regional Airline in North America.
For Air Transat, the award marks its eighth win as World’s Best Leisure Airline, while Air Canada collected several additional honours and remained the only North American carrier among Skytrax’s World’s Top 20 Airlines.
Air Canada was recognized as the Best Airline in North America for the second year in a row. The flag carrier is no stranger to the honour, marking the 10th time it has received the award since 2010.
Air Canada also received awards for its Toronto Air Canada Signature Suite as the World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining for the third straight year, as well as Best Cabin Crew in Canada, Best Economy On Board Catering in North America and Best Business Class Lounge in North America.
Additionally, Air Canada moved up two spots to 17th in Skytrax’s World’s Top 100 Airlines for 2026, making it the only North American carrier to break the top 20.
The airline issued a statement on behalf of its 40,000 employees, thanking customers for their trust, loyalty and for choosing to fly with Air Canada.
“Their recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the views of the people who experience our products and services firsthand.” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada. “This award belongs to our people, whose professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for our customers make moments of exceptional hospitality possible across our global network. I’m honoured to accept this recognition on their behalf and thank them for their commitment to elevating the customer experience.”
Porter Airlines, meanwhile, was honoured with the award for Best Regional Airline in North America, a category that recognizes airlines that primarily or exclusively operate within North America.
"Winning this award for a third consecutive year tells us our approach to economy travel continues to resonate with passengers," said Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines. "From day one, we set out to prove that flying economy doesn't mean compromising on comfort or care. No middle seats, complimentary beer and wine in glassware, premium snacks and free WiFi are all part of the experience, but it's how our team delivers that service, with genuine care, that keeps travellers coming back. This recognition belongs to every Porter team member who makes this possible."
Air Transat Wins 'World's Best Leisure Airline' for Eighth Time (Photo Credit: AT)
Air Transat Named World’s Best Leisure Airline for Eighth Time
Air Transat has added another Skytrax honour to its record, earning the title of World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2026 World Airline Awards.
It marks the eighth time the Canadian carrier has received the award, following wins in 2012, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Air Transat was also named North America’s Best Leisure Airline in 2022.
An Air Transat delegation, including President and Chief Executive Officer Annick Guérard, accepted the award during the Skytrax ceremony in London, England.
"Being named the World's Best Leisure Airline for the eighth time is a tremendous source of pride for Air Transat and, above all, a well-deserved recognition of our teams, said Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat.
"Every day, they put their expertise, care, and hospitality at the service of our travellers. This distinction reflects their exceptional commitment and their ability to create travel experiences that set us apart, both here and around the world."
Air Canada, Porter and Air Transat are the only North American airlines with a four-star Skytrax rating, while Southwest Airlines holds a four-star rating in the low-cost airline category.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on a global passenger survey that polls millions of travellers online, representing more than 100 nationalities. More than 300 airlines were featured in the 2025-2026 results.
Singapore Airlines was named the World’s Best Airline for 2026.
Singapore Airlines World Airline Awards winner (Photo Credit: Skytrax)
Top 20 Airlines as Recognized by Skytrax
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. Cathay Pacific
4. ANA All Nippon Airways
5. Turkish Airlines
6. Emirates
7. Air France
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Japan Airlines
10. Korean Air
11. EVA Air
12. Qantas Airways
13. STARLUX Airlines
14. Lufthansa
15. Saudi Arabian Airlines
16. Iberia
17. Air Canada
18. Virgin Atlantic
19. Swiss Int’l Air Lines
20. Thai Airways
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