Saudia Secures Global Top 15 Position After Strong Growth in 2026 Skytrax Rankings

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Following the latest Skytrax ratings, Saudia has moved into the top 15 worldwide airlines, placing it amongst the best airline services internationally. In addition, Skytrax recognized Saudia’s improvements by ranking the flag carrier ahead of its performance in the two preceding years, 2025 and 2024, and awarding it two cabin crew and staff service awards at the 2026 ceremony. Airline improvement is evident by the recognition its various services have received regionally, including air transport services, cargo transport services, and other complementary services. The various initiatives provide end to end comfort, peace of mind and seamless travel to customers.

The latest ranking was announced during the World Airline Awards ceremony in London. Saudia moved up to 15th place globally in 2026, compared with 17th position in 2025 and 20th in 2024. The results mark a five-place improvement within two years, highlighting the airline’s continued progress in passenger experience and service standards.

Saudia also strengthened its standing in the Middle East after being recognised as Best Cabin Crew in the Middle East and retaining the title of Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East for a second consecutive year. The staff service award is based on passenger assessments covering multiple stages of the travel journey, including airport assistance, ground handling interactions, frontline service and the overall onboard experience.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “This achievement carries particular significance in one of the world’s most competitive industries. It reflects the dedication of our people, who are central to Saudia’s transformation and bring Saudi hospitality to life through the service and care they provide to our guests every day. We will continue investing in our people, technology and products as we advance the New Saudia Experience and further enhance our competitiveness globally.”

The recognition comes as Saudia continues to strengthen its New Saudia Experience, an initiative focused on combining authentic Saudi hospitality with operational excellence, digital advancement and improved products and services throughout the entire passenger journey. The transformation is driven by the airline’s workforce, with ongoing investment in employee development and talent capabilities helping deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for guests from the airport environment to the onboard journey.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “The strongest measure of our progress is what our guests experience for themselves. We are reshaping the travel experience around their needs, and our people are the ones who turn that ambition into reality every day. The recognition of both our cabin crew and frontline teams demonstrates that the transformation underway at Saudia is translating into an experience our guests can see, feel and trust.”

Saudia is currently implementing the largest guest experience investment programme in its history, covering both its existing fleet and upcoming aircraft. The initiative focuses on introducing upgraded and redesigned cabins, improved seating options, high-speed inflight connectivity, advanced entertainment systems and enhanced digital services. Alongside these product improvements, the airline continues to invest in its employees, aiming to create a more seamless travel experience while strengthening Saudia’s position in the competitive global aviation market.