Emirates Wins Best Overall Airline in the Middle East at 2026 APEX Awards

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – June 11, 2026 – Emirates has been awarded Best Overall Airline in the Middle East at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, further solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s leading travel brands. The honor was announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, recognizing Emirates for its consistent delivery of exceptional customer experiences.

Based on ratings from actual passengers, Emirates received top marks across five key categories: seat comfort, cabin service, inflight food and beverage, inflight entertainment, and inflight connectivity.

1. High Ratings for Comfortable Seating

Across its Airbus A380, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777 fleets, Emirates has consistently received high praise from customers for cabin comfort. Thoughtfully designed cabins, generous personal space, and ergonomically engineered seats allow passengers to relax, work, or rest comfortably, even on long-haul flights.

As part of its ongoing fleet modernization program, Emirates is upgrading seats and cabin amenities across all classes. Starting October 2026, the airline will begin rolling out the new Safran Z400 economy class seats. Lightweight and designed for enhanced comfort and convenience, these seats feature 8-way adjustable headrests that provide optimal support for the head and neck.

The award-winning Premium Economy cabin features cream-colored leather seats with generous recline, leg rests, foot rests, and 6-way adjustable headrests, ensuring comfort on long journeys. Passengers also enjoy charging ports, side tables, and 13.3-inch personal entertainment screens.

In Business Class, Emirates has introduced new seats inspired by Safran’s luxurious S Lounge design, already available on the A350. These refined seats offer greater privacy and convert into fully flat beds with dedicated mattresses and pillows. Enhanced comfort is further supported by wireless charging, customizable mood lighting, ample storage, mini bars, and multiple charging options.

First Class features fully enclosed private suites, often described as "flying hotel rooms," setting a new benchmark for luxury air travel. Equipped with electronically controlled doors, personalized climate control, and mood lighting, these suites prioritize privacy and comfort. Seats transform seamlessly into fully flat beds and can also be adjusted to Emirates’ signature zero-gravity position, promoting relaxation and rest.

2. Excellence in Cabin Service

At the heart of Emirates’ service philosophy is hospitality. With cabin crew from over 140 nationalities speaking more than 70 languages, Emirates values excellence, care, innovation, and passion. This service is supported by comprehensive training programs incorporating world-class hospitality standards. Inspired by Michelin-starred restaurant service principles, crew members are trained not only in professional skills but also in anticipating passenger needs and delivering personalized, heartfelt service.

Onboard, every detail—from meal timing to lighting transitions—is meticulously designed to deliver a comfortable and personalized journey. Through attentive service and genuine human connection, Emirates creates a superior travel experience.

3. High Praise for Inflight Dining and Beverage Service

Inflight dining is a hallmark of the Emirates experience. Across all classes, the airline offers menus inspired by global cuisines and tailored to destination-specific flavors. Passengers enjoy multi-course meals made with fresh ingredients, along with a wide selection of soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Special children’s meals are available on many routes, and organic baby food, powdered milk, and bottles are provided free of charge for infants and young children.

Emirates regularly introduces seasonal special menus and new services, including complimentary popcorn and cookies, and premium ice cream on select routes. Special festive menus are also offered for holidays such as Christmas, Eid, Diwali, and Lunar New Year. Additionally, a wide range of special meals—including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium options—caters to dietary restrictions, health needs, and religious or cultural requirements.

In Premium Economy, dining is elevated with Royal Doulton china, stainless steel cutlery, and linen tablecloths. Passengers enjoy hearty meals, fresh seasonal ingredients, curated wines, beers, spirits, and exclusive Chandon sparkling wine available only in Premium Economy.

Business Class offers gourmet multi-course menus inspired by destination cuisines, paired with premium wines, spirits, and complimentary champagne. Passengers can also enjoy curated pairings of chef-curated dishes with Moët & Chandon champagne, symbolizing Emirates’ commitment to delivering authentic fine dining at 40,000 feet.

First Class delivers the pinnacle of inflight dining. Through Emirates’ signature dine-on-demand service, passengers can enjoy à la carte meals at their preferred time. Menus feature carefully selected seasonal ingredients and include caviar. Gourmet vegan options are available on select routes. Popular comfort items such as wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, popcorn, and edamame are also offered, perfect for pairing with in-flight movies.

Beverage service is another major highlight. Emirates is the only airline in the world to offer Don Perignon consistently across its entire First Class network. First Class passengers also enjoy an extensive selection of premium wines from top wine regions and a wide array of premium spirits.

4. World-Class Inflight Entertainment