Thai Airways reaches global top 10 in Travel + Leisure poll

Thai Airways International has been ranked 10th in Travel + Leisure magazine's Best International Airlines category in its World's Best Awards 2026.

The result was based on votes from more than 207,000 readers of the global travel magazine, who cast over 661,000 votes across travel brands. Taiwan's EVA Air took first place in the airline category.

For Thailand's national carrier, the top-10 position is being seen as another indication of its recovery following several years of work under its business rehabilitation plan.

Reader survey puts EVA Air at the top

Travel + Leisure's 10 best international airlines for 2026 were listed as:

1. EVA Air - Taiwan

2. Qatar Airways - Qatar

3. Emirates - United Arab Emirates

4. La Compagnie - France

5. Singapore Airlines - Singapore

6. Japan Airlines (JAL) - Japan

7. Korean Air - South Korea

8. Virgin Atlantic Airways - United Kingdom

9. Etihad Airways - United Arab Emirates

10. Thai Airways International - Thailand

EVA Air has continued to receive recognition for its safety standards, service, cabin cleanliness and passenger care across all cabin classes. Qatar Airways and Emirates also remained among the leading global carriers, supported by networks covering several continents.

Rehabilitation work behind Thai Airways recovery

Thai Airways' rehabilitation efforts have included fleet and in-flight service upgrades, improvements to passenger lounges, revised food menus and an expansion of international routes. The changes have been intended to support the recovery of global tourism and rebuild passenger confidence in the airline.

Aviation industry analysts have said travellers are increasingly weighing the overall journey rather than price alone. Seat comfort, food, cabin crew service, entertainment and punctuality are among the factors passengers now consider when selecting an airline.

For foreign residents, tourists and business travellers using Thailand as a regional base, the ranking may offer some reassurance about Thai Airways' service recovery on international journeys.

What it means for Thailand travellers

Thai Airways remains a major option for passengers flying between Thailand and overseas destinations, particularly those connecting through Bangkok. Its improved standing in a reader survey could help the carrier attract international visitors, an important market for Thailand's tourism sector.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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31 July 2026