Iberia Unlocks New Passenger Experience Milestone With Europe’s Best Airline Staff Service Award 2026
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Iberia has secured the title of Europe’s Best Airline Staff Service at the 2026 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, one of the most respected global airline rating organisations.
The prestigious recognition was announced during an award ceremony at The Langham Hotel in London, where Iberia President Marco Sansavini and Customer Director Beatriz Guillén accepted the honour alongside representatives of the airline’s operational teams, including Captain Marta Checa and Purser José Luis de la Riva.
The award celebrates Iberia’s commitment to delivering high-quality customer experiences across its entire network. It recognises the dedication, professionalism and hospitality of the airline’s cabin crew and airport service teams, highlighting their role in creating a smooth and personalised journey for passengers both in the air and on the ground.
“This recognition is particularly important because it reflects the direct assessment of our customers and acknowledges the work of the thousands of professionals who make up Iberia. Every day, our teams, both on the ground and on board, put their experience, dedication and personal approach at the service of those who choose to travel with us. This award is for all of them. It highlights their daily work and the way they represent the hospitality that defines Iberia,” said Marco Sansavini, President of Iberia.
Recognition Driven by Global Passenger Feedback
The World Airline Awards are determined through one of the largest independent airline passenger satisfaction surveys worldwide, conducted from September 2025 to August 2026. The latest edition collected feedback from travellers representing more than 100 nationalities, with a total of 24.8 million verified survey responses submitted.
Often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry”, the awards reflect direct evaluations from airline customers who rate their travel experiences across different service areas. Skytrax independently manages both the survey and awards process, which operates without airline entry charges, sponsorship influence, or payments related to award branding, logos or results.
Customer Experience at the Heart of Flight Plan 2030
Enhancing customer experience remains a central priority under Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030, the airline’s long-term strategy focused on transformation, innovation and sustainable growth. The roadmap aims to strengthen every stage of the passenger journey by combining advanced digital solutions and personalised services with the human attention delivered by Iberia’s teams.
As part of this ongoing transformation, Iberia is undertaking major upgrades across its fleet and airport services. The airline plans to renew 100 per cent of the cabins across its long-haul aircraft, creating a more comfortable and modern onboard experience for international travellers. On short- and medium-haul aircraft, Iberia will also introduce larger XL overhead compartments to provide passengers with increased space for cabin baggage.
The airline is also expanding its focus beyond the aircraft cabin by improving airport experiences for premium travellers. A key development has been the opening of the Emerald Lounge Sorolla at Terminal 4 of Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. The new facility is designed for Iberia’s highest-tier customers, including Platino, Platino Prime, Infinita, Infinita Prime and Singular members, offering enhanced comfort and upgraded services before departure.
