The World's Best Airlines for 2022, Ranked by AirlineRatings.com

[ad_1]

(CNN) — It’s been an unusual few years for the airline industry. After months of pandemic-related grounds, travel has returned not with a bang, but with a bit of wailing as many global airlines and airports struggle with cancellations and delays.

In the midst of this chaotic travel season, Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings.com has released its annual survey of the world’s top airlines.

Qatar Airways is in first place for the second year in a row and AirlineRatings.com states that the airline’s commitment to fly in recent years has been the deciding factor. Qatar Airways also won the Excellence in Long Haul – Middle East/Africa award.

“Qatar Airways’ decision to remain active during the pandemic meant it became the world’s largest international airline and made huge profits – the only major airline to do so,” said Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com. CNN Travel.

Traveler options ranking

Air New Zealand is number two on AirlineRatings.com’s list.

Mark Baker/AP

In addition to profitability, AirlineRatings.com says its team of editors also reviewed each airline’s age, environmental and safety credentials, passenger ratings, and product offerings.

On the heels of Qatar Airways is Air New Zealand, an airline that has topped the AirlineRatings list six times in recent years and also finished number two last year. For 2022, Air New Zealand was also recognized by AirlineRatings.com as the airline with the best premium economy and economy options, and the best option for long-haul travel in the Pacific region.

Number three on AirlineRatings.com’s list is Etihad Airways. The UAE-based airline also received the Environmental Airline of the Year award for what Thomas said was a “benchmark” commitment to reduce emissions.

The number four airline is Korean Air, which also won Cargo Airline of the Year and Excellence in Long Haul – Asia awards, while Singapore Airlines, winner of Best First Class and Best Lounges, rounds out the top five.

AirlineRatings.com also highlights the best budget airlines for 2022, although these low cost airlines are not ranked. Instead, they are listed alphabetically: Allegiant Air, AirAsia, easyjet, Jetstar, Flair, Fly Dubai, Ryanair, Scoot, Southwest, and VietJet Air.

Thomas told CNN Travel the results reflect the continued impact of Covid-19 on aviation, but the recent spike in delays and cancellations did not affect the rankings.

“The current travel crisis was not a factor because it is a unique event,” said Thomas, who suggested the current events are also “largely not from the airlines.”

Experts have suggested current problems are related to staff shortages, airport problems, labor relations and the weather.

Overall, Thomas views the rankings as a positive view of today’s travel industry.

“The results highlight the very high standard of the offering for travelers,” he said.