Emirates and Etihad Rank Among Middle East & Africa’s Top Three Airlines in 2026 Flyers Choice Award

DUBAI/ABU DHABI — UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have secured two of the top three positions in the Middle East and Africa category of the 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards, underlining the strong passenger appeal of the country’s aviation sector.

Emirates was voted the preferred airline in the Middle East and Africa, while Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways ranked third. Qatar Airways took second place, putting three major Gulf carriers at the top of the regional passenger-voted ranking.

Awards Based Entirely on Traveller Votes

The Flyers’ Choice Awards are organised by AirlineRatings.com and differ from the publication’s expert-judged airline awards. The Flyers’ Choice results are based on traveller votes, reflecting passenger preferences across airline regions, cabin products, service, crew and other aspects of the flying experience.

Emirates Takes Regional No. 1 Position

Emirates secured first place in the Middle East and Africa regional category. The Dubai-based carrier also performed strongly in several individual categories, winning Preferred Premium Economy.

Emirates placed second in Preferred Business Class, behind Qatar Airways, and second in Preferred Economy, behind Singapore Airlines. It also finished second for cabin crew service, demonstrating broad passenger recognition across multiple areas of the onboard experience.

Etihad Secures Third Place

Etihad Airways finished third in the Middle East and Africa ranking, giving the UAE a second carrier among the region’s top three. The Abu Dhabi airline also appeared prominently in other passenger-voted categories.

Etihad ranked third among airlines associated with passenger peace of mind, behind Singapore Airlines and Qantas. It also took third place for aircraft livery and third in the cabin crew category, according to published results.

Middle East & Africa Top Three

•    1. Emirates
•    2. Qatar Airways
•    3. Etihad Airways

Strong Showing for Gulf Aviation

The regional result highlights the continued prominence of Gulf airlines in international aviation. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad have developed extensive global networks and compete heavily on cabin products, connecting traffic, service and premium travel.

For the UAE, having both Emirates and Etihad among the top three provides another passenger-driven endorsement of the country’s role as a major global aviation hub, centred on Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Passenger Choice Matters

Because the Flyers’ Choice Awards are determined by travellers rather than an industry judging panel, the results offer a snapshot of passenger sentiment. AirlineRatings.com invited travellers to vote for preferred airlines across regions as well as in categories covering cabin crew, cabin classes, aircraft liveries and confidence in the airline.

Key Results for UAE Airlines

•    Emirates: No. 1 preferred airline in Middle East & Africa
•    Etihad Airways: No. 3 in Middle East & Africa
•    Emirates: No. 1 in Preferred Premium Economy
•    Emirates: No. 2 in Preferred Business Class
•    Emirates: No. 2 in Preferred Economy
•    Emirates: No. 2 for cabin crew service
•    Etihad: No. 3 for cabin crew service
•    Etihad: No. 3 for passenger peace of mind
•    Etihad: No. 3 for aircraft livery

UAE Aviation’s Global Profile

The latest recognition comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position as an international aviation and tourism centre. Emirates operates from Dubai, while Etihad connects Abu Dhabi with destinations around the world, making both airlines central to the country’s global connectivity.

The 2026 Flyers’ Choice results add to a growing list of international awards and rankings for UAE airlines and reinforce their visibility among travellers worldwide

Sources
•    AirlineRatings.com — Flyers’ Choice Awards 2026.
•    Gulf News — Emirates, Etihad rank among Middle East’s top 3 airlines in 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards, August 12, 2026.