A major international success for Egyptian aviation: EgyptAir has been named "World's Most Improved Airline" at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026.
Egypt's national carrier simultaneously improved significantly in the global airline ranking, reaching 46th place among the world's best airlines. EgyptAir is thus back in the global Top 50 for 2026.
For travellers to Egypt, this development is particularly interesting. EgyptAir not only connects Cairo with numerous international destinations, but also plays a central role in domestic flights between important Egyptian travel destinations.
EgyptAir wins the title "World's Most Improved Airline 2026"
The award was presented on 18 September 2026 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony in London. EgyptAir took first place globally in the category. Air India and Royal Jordanian Airlines followed in second and third place.
This award is not simply about which airline bought the most new aircraft or opened the most new routes within a year. Rather, Skytrax evaluates the quality development of an airline across various areas of the overall airline ranking.
Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026 - EgyptAir at a glance
From 69th to 46th place worldwide
The development is particularly clear in the overall international ranking. In the Skytrax World's Top 100 Airlines 2026 ranking, EgyptAir reaches 46th place globally. In the 2025 ranking, EgyptAir was still listed at 69th place. The Egyptian airline thus improves by 23 positions within a year and breaks into the world's top 50 airlines.
Multiple awards for EgyptAir in Africa
The international recognition is not limited to a single award. At the World Airline Awards 2026, EgyptAir also received Best Cabin Crew in Africa, Best Economy Class Airline in Africa and Most Improved Airline in Africa.
The title "Most Improved Airline" does not automatically mean that EgyptAir is now the best airline in the world. Rather, the award recognises the airline's significant improvement across various quality and evaluation categories.
EgyptAir invests in the travel experience
EgyptAir itself attributes the improvement to a broader transformation over recent years covering various areas of the travel experience - from fleet and cabins to on-board service, digital offerings and ground services. Staff training and the development of service standards also play a role. The results of the Skytrax Awards 2026 show that these changes are now being recognised internationally.
Why is EgyptAir important for Egypt travellers?
EgyptAir is far more than just an airline for travelling to Cairo. For travellers who want to discover Egypt more intensively, the domestic flight network is particularly interesting. Due to the large distances within the country, domestic flights can save considerable time on round trips - for example when travelling between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada.
Connecting Hurghada and Cairo by plane
A good example is the connection between Hurghada and Cairo. Many holidaymakers spend their time at the Red Sea and want to visit the Pyramids of Giza and Cairo's sights during their stay. Such flight connections make both classic Cairo day trips and multi-day programmes possible.
Domestic flights for Egypt round trips
Flight connections become even more important for longer round trips. Anyone wanting to combine Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea within a single trip does not have to travel every route by land. A possible combination: Cairo - flight to Luxor or Aswan - Nile cruise - further round trip or beach holiday at the Red Sea.
A positive signal for Egypt tourism
The jump from 69th to 46th place and the award as "World's Most Improved Airline 2026" are not only interesting for EgyptAir itself. A well-functioning national airline is also of great importance for tourism. International connections bring travellers to Egypt, while domestic flights can help bridge the large distances between the various holiday and cultural regions.
