Cayman Airways Joins Emirates, Singapore Airlines and More in 2026 World Travel Awards Race After Historic Caribbean Victory

Cayman Airways joins Emirates, Singapore Airlines and world’s leading airlines in the World’s Leading Airline 2026 race after record Caribbean win. Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) won Caribbean’s Leading Airline 2026 at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony in Jamaica on Sunday, 11 October 2026. The win is significant as it marks the first time the airline has achieved such an accolade in the region. Having done so well in the region, Cayman Airways has earned its first nomination for World’s Leading Airline 2026, which will be contested by Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air New Zealand and Turkish Airlines amongst others. The carrier is the only one based in the Caribbean in the list of nominees, which will do wonders for the local tourism and aviation industries.

The recognition marks an important chapter in the airline’s history, particularly as 2026 was the first year Cayman Airways had been nominated for the regional title. Securing the award on its debut highlights the airline’s growing reputation, service standards and contribution to air travel across the Caribbean.

Cayman Airways Makes History With Its First Regional Award

The achievement carries special significance for Cayman Airways, which secured the Caribbean’s Leading Airline title during its first appearance in the category. The recognition places the carrier among the region’s most celebrated aviation operators and reflects its increasing visibility within the international travel industry.

The award also represents a notable achievement for the Cayman Islands, strengthening the destination’s profile within the wider Caribbean tourism market. As the country’s national airline, Cayman Airways plays an important role in connecting the islands with international destinations and supporting travel, tourism and economic activity.

Global Nomination Places Cayman Airways Alongside Major International Airlines

Beyond its regional success, Cayman Airways has reached another milestone by earning its first nomination for World’s Leading Airline 2026.

The global nomination places the Cayman Islands carrier alongside prominent international airlines, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air New Zealand and Turkish Airlines.

Notably, Cayman Airways is the only Caribbean-based airline included among the nominees in this category. Its presence on the international shortlist represents a significant step forward for the carrier and brings greater attention to the Caribbean aviation sector.

Although the global nomination does not guarantee a win, it provides Cayman Airways with an opportunity to gain wider recognition among travellers and aviation industry professionals worldwide.

Airline Leadership Celebrates Prestigious Achievement in Jamaica

Cayman Airways President and Chief Executive Officer Fabian Whorms attended the awards ceremony in Jamaica to receive the regional honour on behalf of the airline.

He was joined by Ivan Forbes, Vice President of Airport Passenger and Cargo Services, and Carol Nugent, Regional Airport Operations Manager for the Caribbean and Latin America.

Their attendance marked an important moment for the organisation, recognising the collective efforts of the airline’s teams and its continued presence in regional aviation.

World Travel Awards Recognition Strengthens Airline’s Reputation

Widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most prominent recognition programmes, the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence across aviation, tourism, hospitality and related sectors.

The awards are determined through voting by travel industry professionals and members of the travelling public, providing recognition based on participation from both industry stakeholders and consumers.

For Cayman Airways, winning Caribbean’s Leading Airline 2026 represents a strong endorsement of its reputation and standing within the regional aviation market.

The airline’s simultaneous nomination for the World’s Leading Airline title further expands its international visibility and positions it alongside some of the best-known names in global aviation.

Together, these achievements mark a significant moment for Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands, drawing fresh international attention to the national carrier and its role in supporting Caribbean travel and tourism.

Mr. Whorms described the win as a proud milestone in the airline’s nearly six decades of service. He stated: “To be named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline in our very first year of being nominated is an extraordinary honour, and one that means a great deal to all of us at Cayman Airways. As a relatively small national airline competing on an international stage, this achievement is proof that our commitment to service excellence and authentic Caymanian hospitality can stand among the very best in the region. I am immensely proud of our Cayman Airways family, whose hard work and dedication have made this possible, and I’m deeply grateful to our customers for their continued loyalty and support. This award belongs to all of them.”

Mr. Whorms added that being nominated for World’s Leading Airline alongside some of the most respected names in international aviation is another extraordinary honour. “It is especially meaningful for an airline of our size, and reinforces our belief that our commitment to excellence, high standards and uniquely Caymanian hospitality can earn recognition well beyond our shores,” he said. “We are immensely proud to represent the Cayman Islands on this global stage.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, the Hon. Gary Rutty, welcomed the award as a significant achievement for Cayman Airways and the wider Cayman Islands tourism industry. He stated: “Cayman Airways is far more than just an airline. It is a strategic national asset and an essential partner in the development and continued success of our tourism industry. Its role in maintaining and expanding air connectivity supports visitor arrivals and contributes significantly to our economy. International recognition of this calibre strengthens the credibility and competitiveness of the Cayman Islands as a preferred tourism destination, and underscores Cayman Airways’ role within our national tourism strategy. I am very proud of Cayman Airways for continuing to elevate and enhance the traveler experience, and I commend the management and Board of Directors, staff and crew members for their stellar efforts in earning this well-deserved recognition.”

The Deputy Premier further emphasised that Cayman Airways’ nomination for World’s Leading Airline 2026 reflects its growing international recognition and creates a valuable opportunity to strengthen the Cayman Islands’ visibility as a leading Caribbean travel destination.

Meanwhile, World Travel Awards founder Graham E. Cooke congratulated Cayman Airways on its landmark achievement, underscoring the significance of its regional victory and the wider international recognition it brings to the airline and the Cayman Islands.

Mr. Cooke commented: “Congratulations to Cayman Airways on being voted ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airline 2026’. This is a special achievement and a proud moment for the airline’s team and the Cayman Islands. As the national airline, Cayman Airways represents the Cayman Islands to travellers across its network. This award provides an opportunity to showcase both the airline and its home destination to an international audience. The accolade reflects the support Cayman Airways has earned among our voters and provides a platform to build on that recognition.”

Since its founding in 1968, Cayman Airways has developed into an internationally recognised carrier while preserving its strong Caymanian heritage and distinctive identity. The airline continues to promote the idea that a holiday in the Cayman Islands begins as soon as passengers board, offering a travel experience that reflects the destination’s culture and hospitality.

Its latest World Travel Awards 2026 victory adds to a growing collection of regional and international achievements. In 2024, Cayman Airways was ranked among the world’s top 15 international airlines in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The carrier also received APEX Four Star Major Airline recognition in both 2025 and 2026, reflecting its continued focus on passenger experience and service quality.

Within the Cayman Islands, the airline has secured several gold honours at the Best of Cayman Islands Awards. These include Best Customer Service for two consecutive years, alongside Best Place to Work and Best Cargo/Logistics for three consecutive years. Together, these distinctions highlight Cayman Airways’ commitment to maintaining high standards in international aviation while strengthening its contribution to the local community.

Meanwhile, public voting for World’s Leading Airline 2026 is open, giving travellers, airline employees, tourism professionals, Cayman Islands residents and international supporters an opportunity to participate. Eligible voters can visit the official World Travel Awards website at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote, create an account, verify their email address and log in to submit their choice. Voting is scheduled to close on 30 October 2026, providing Cayman Airways with another opportunity to secure a major international aviation honour.