Air Koryo world's 'worst airline' for five straight years

North Korea’s national carrier Air Koryo has been ranked the worst airline in the world. /Yonhap

• Published Jun 7, 2016 2:59 PM KST
• Updated Jun 7, 2016 2:59 PM KST

By Lee Jin-a

North Korea’s flagship airline Air Koryo is the world’s “worst airline,” according to British rating agency Sky Trax.

It was the fifth straight year the airline scored the lowest point of one star. Seven airlines received the highest score of five stars, including Asiana Airlines of South Korea, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. About 600 airlines were evaluated.

Ratings are based on passenger reviews of the airlines’ airport facilities, services, safety and food.

Sky Trax quoted a Chinese customer as saying Air Koryo’s crew members paid no attention to passenger safety.

“No one told passengers to power-off their cell phones or to tighten seatbelts,” the passenger said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the airline has 10 planes, but only four are available because of safety concerns with the others.