The World Travel Awards 2026 have crowned the leaders in tourism, awarding not only the best destinations and hotels but also the airlines that have stood out in the sector. The presentation of the honors takes place through an online voting system that engages tourism professionals and travelers.
The title of best airline in Europe is claimed by Turkish Airlines, while Volotea remains the queen of low-cost flights, earning the award for the fifth time.
The winners were announced on October 17 during the European World Travel Awards ceremony, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, in Montenegro. Reaching its 33rd edition, these awards celebrate the entities that contribute to the development of the international tourism industry. The announcement of the overall winners is scheduled for December 12, during the final gala evening in Tanzania.
Turkish Airlines Is the Best Airline in Europe
The title of Best Airline in Europe 2026 was awarded to Turkish Airlines, which takes one of the sector’s most prestigious recognitions. The airline, based in Turkey, connects numerous international destinations through its Istanbul hub, a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia and other regions of the world.
Beyond the main prize, the carrier also earned other accolades:
- Europe’s Leading Airline Brand 2026, the award for Europe’s leading airline brand;
- Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge 2026, best airline lounge: the International Lounge in Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines boasts a long history of World Travel Awards recognition, having secured several titles since 2010 for the quality of its services and its international offering. These awards confirm the airline’s leading role in the aviation landscape.
Volotea, Awarded for the Fifth Time
Another notable recognition goes to Volotea. The Spanish carrier received for the fifth time the Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline award, the best low-cost carrier, following wins in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. During the ceremony the award was accepted by Gilles Gosselin, Volotea’s Country Manager for France.
The carrier concentrates its activities on European links between small and medium-sized cities, focusing on direct routes that enable reaching several destinations without necessarily passing through the major international hubs.
The Other Winners at the World Travel Awards 2026
The World Travel Awards also honored other airlines, here are the winners:
- Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2026, best airline for Business Class: Swiss International Air Lines;
- Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2026, best airline for Economy Class: Lufthansa which also won the award as Europe’s best airline for flights to Asia;
- Europe’s Leading Airline – First Class 2026, best airline for First Class: Air France;
- Europe’s Leading Airline to Africa 2026, Europe’s leading airline for flights to Africa: TAP Air Portugal which also won as Europe’s best airline for flights to South America;
- Europe’s Leading Airline to North America 2026, best airline in Europe for flights to North America: Azores Airlines;
- Europe’s Leading Charter Airline 2026, best charter airline: TUI fly;
- Europe’s Leading Regional Airline 2026, best regional airline: SATA Air Açores.
