Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Korean Air earns Skytrax 5-star rating for 6th consecutive year
A Korean Air passenger jet / Courtesy of Korean Air
By Lee Min-hyung
Korean Air has been named a five-star airline by Skytrax for the sixth straight year in the 2026 World Airline Star Rating, reaffirming its position among the world’s top-tier carriers.
Skytrax, a London-based aviation consultancy established in 1989, evaluates airlines on comprehensive service standards. Its World Airline Star Rating system, introduced in 1999, ranks carriers on a one- to five-star scale. Only 10 airlines worldwide currently hold the highest five-star rating, including Korean Air.
The 2026 assessment was conducted through a detailed audit beginning in January, during which Skytrax evaluators reviewed Korean Air’s long-haul and regional operations. The audit covered more than 550 service touchpoints across the full passenger journey, including check-in, lounge services, boarding, seating, inflight dining, cabin service and entertainment.
Korean Air received strong marks in several areas, particularly its website functionality, passenger handling systems, cabin service and inflight entertainment. The airline was also praised for its inflight catering, with Skytrax noting the quality, ingredient sourcing and presentation of meals across all cabin classes, especially on flights departing from Incheon.
Cabin crew service was highlighted for its consistency, with staff commended for combining traditional Korean hospitality with modern service efficiency.
The airline also improved its lounge performance scores compared to the previous year, following the completion of a 41-month project to build seven next-generation lounges at Incheon International Airport. The upgrade concluded with the opening of new first class and prestige class West lounges.
Korean Air has also been expanding its global lounge network. It opened a renovated flagship lounge at Los Angeles International Airport in March, while an upgraded lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport is scheduled to open later this year.
“Certification of Korean Air with the highest 5-star Airline Rating for 2026 confirms the airline’s consistent focus on delivering a high-quality passenger experience,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said. “This rating demonstrates that Korean Air continues to excel in cabin comfort, catering and service delivery both onboard and on the ground.”
A Korean Air official said the airline “remains committed to elevating service quality through customer satisfaction and continuous innovation,” adding that it will continue investing in premium travel experiences for global passengers.
The latest recognition adds to a series of industry accolades for the carrier. Earlier this month, Korean Air received 13 awards at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2026 in Hamburg. Last year, it was named Airline of the Year by Airlineratings.com and Asia Airline of the Year by Centre for Aviation.