Emirates scores 2 wins at the 2026 Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards

Emirates has once again cemented its position as one of the world’s leading carriers, taking home two top honours at the 2026 Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards. The annual event took place on 16 January at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, welcoming a sell-out audience of more than 1,200 travel industry professionals. The awards are determined by thousands of votes from Travel Weekly’s travel agent readers.

 

The Dubai-based airline, which last year was named the world’s most profitable carrier, claimed two of the four accolades in the Flying category, including Best Long-Haul Airline and Best Premium Airline Service.

 

The latest recognition follows an exceptional year for Emirates, which marked its 40th anniversary in October 2025 with a record-breaking performance. Over the year, the airline carried 55.6 million passengers, placed orders for 73 new aircraft, and became the world’s first Autism Certified Airline.

 

RELATED:

Emirates named ’best long-haul airline’ at Telegraph Travel Awards

Inside the Royal Caribbean Arabia Awards at Sea

Emirates expands Premium Economy to 10 new cities

 

Emirates concluded 2025 with an impressive 25 industry accolades, highlighted by its recognition as Best Long-Haul Airline, voted by more than 20,000 UK-based Telegraph readers. The carrier also retained its title as Best Airline in the World for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs, and earned further distinction from Forbes Travel Guide as Best International Airline and Best International First Class.

 

The carrier also earned multiple accolades at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, ranking as the world’s fourth best airline and securing titles for Best Family-Friendly Airline, World’s Best First Class, and Best Inflight Entertainment.

 

Royal Caribbean Group sweeps cruise sector awards

In the cruise sector, Royal Caribbean Group emerged as a major winner. Royal Caribbean International received Best Mainstream Ocean Cruise Company, Celebrity Cruises was named Best Premium Ocean Cruise Company, and Silversea took home Best Luxury Ocean Cruise Company.

 

Elsewhere, Jamaica Tourist Board was named Best Tourist Board, Universal Orlando Resort won Best Attraction, and Wendy Wu Tours was recognised as Best Premium Touring Company.

 

Hosted by broadcaster Jonathan Ross alongside Travel Weekly Group Editor-in-Chief Lucy Huxley, the evening featured live performances from Beverley Knight and Tinie Tempah, rounding off a night that celebrated excellence across the global travel industry.

 

To discover all the award winners, visit globetravelawards.co.uk