The Best Airlines in Asia

The top-rated airlines in Asia didn’t earn their reputations by chance. They consistently deliver when it comes to safety, service, and the overall flying experience. Here’s why they’re worth booking with:

Trusted for safety 👷

Airlines like Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines are regularly ranked among the world’s safest. So you can sit back and relax, knowing you’re flying with some of the most trusted airlines in the game.

Service that shows up ✈️

These airlines have a reputation for getting you where you need to go and on time. Take Singapore Airlines, for example: they cancelled just 0.1% of flights between May and July 2024. That’s the kind of reliability you can count on.

Award-winning cabin crews 👩‍✈️

Comfortable seats, helpful staff, and an all-round smooth experience. That’s why airlines like those listed above (minus AirAsia) landed spots on Skytrax’s 2025 World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew list.

Global flight routes 🌍

With major hubs in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and more, these airlines make it easy to get around Asia or connect to global destinations without the hassle.

Great value for money 💵

What makes these airlines great isn’t just the premium cabins. It’s that they deliver across the board - from economy to business class - with better food, comfort, entertainment and service. So whatever your budget, you’re getting more for your money.

Cathay Pacific 🇭🇰

Cathay Pacific blends Hong Kong’s modern energy with a calm, polished in-flight experience. Whether you're flying long-haul for work or planning a family break, Cathay delivers smooth service, comfy cabins, and a solid global network that makes getting around easy.

Here’s why it’s a favourite among frequent flyers:

• Rated Asia's #2 best airline - Recognised with a 5 star Skytrax rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, Cathay is known for getting the important things right - reliability, comfort and service.
• One of the world’s safest airlines- Ranked #3 globally for safety by AirlineRatings in 2025, thanks to high standards and investment in cutting-edge safety tech.
• Cabin comfort done right - From economy to business, you’ll get spacious seating, tasty meals and attentive service. Business class travellers especially love the lie-flat seats and gourmet dining.
• Award winning cabin crew - Placed 3rd in Skytrax’s 2025 Best Cabin Crew awards. Their crew are known for being friendly, efficient, and fluent in multiple languages—making every journey feel smooth and welcoming.
• Global reach you can rely on - With over 200 destinations and more than 8,000 routes, Cathay connects major cities across Asia and beyond. Popular routes include Hong Kong to Tokyo and London to Bangkok.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) 🇯🇵

Flying with ANA is all about precision and peace of mind. Everything feels calm and quietly impressive from the spotless cabins to the friendly but discreet service. Whether you're flying into Tokyo or connecting through Japan, ANA’s focus on punctuality, comfort, and top-tier service makes it a top pick for travellers who like things to run smoothly.

• Rated as Asia's #3 best airline - ANA holds a 5 star Skytrax rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, making it one of the most trusted carriers in the region for comfort, service, and overall quality.
• You’re in safe hands - Ranked #6 globally for safety in 2025 by AirlineRatings. ANA is committed customer safety and invests in the latest fleet tech and holds a strong track record for reliability.
• One of the most respected carriers in Asia - As Japan’s largest airline, ANA is praised for its on-time performance, genuine hospitality, and reliable service — on short-haul, long-haul, and domestic flights.
• Comfort and quality in every seat - ANA pays close attention to the details. Cabins are clean and calm, service is thoughtful, and the experience feels polished at every level. In business class, “The Room FX” offers spacious seating, privacy, wireless charging, and smart storage.
• One of the world’s best cabin crews - Ranked #2 globally in Skytrax’s 2025 Best Cabin Crew awards for their service, care, and attention to detail.
• Great for getting around Japan and beyond - ANA flies to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and more. With 100+ domestic routes within Japan, it’s also a top pick for getting around Japan with ease.

Japan Airlines (JAL) 🇯🇵

Flying Japan Airlines isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about experiencing a carefully crafted, culturally immersive journey, where service is quiet, respectful, and genuinely caring. It’s particularly appreciated by travelers who value calm environments, high attention to detail, and authentic cultural touches.

• Rated Asia's #5 best airline - JAL holds a 5 star Skytrax rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for its quality, comfort, and consistent passenger care.
• Fly with peace of mind - Ranked #19 globally for safety by AirlineRatings in 2025, JAL flies a modern fleet and maintains high safety standards.
• Signature Japanese service - Think Japanese cuisine, traditional and modern onboard amenities, and a focus on calm, clean cabins designed to feel like a peaceful Japanese home.
• Omotenashi: hospitality, the Japanese way - At the heart of JAL’s service is Omotenashi, a deep commitment to wholehearted and respectful hospitality. The crew are attentive without being intrusive, offering genuine care with a quiet, personal touch. It’s no surprise JAL ranks among Skytrax’s top 10 cabin crews in the world.
• Thoughtfully designed cabin classes - From first class to economy, Japan Airlines has crafted a travel experience that goes beyond basic comfort. JAL’s economy class features Sky Wider seats with extra legroom and recline, while business and first class offer private suites, lie-flat beds, and carefully curated in-flight meals.
• A well-connected global network - Fly JAL to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Americas—including popular routes like Tokyo to London and Tokyo to New York.

Destinations and route 🧭

Thinking about where you’re heading? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find the right airline for your trip:

• Flying regionally? - For short flights like Singapore to Bangkok, low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Scoot, or HK Express offer great prices and frequent departures that are ideal for quick trips.
• Going long-haul? - On routes like Tokyo to London, go with full-service airlines like Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, or Cathay Pacific for a more comfortable journey.
• Travelling to or within Japan? - You can’t go wrong with JAL or ANA. Both offer super reliable service and excellent connectivity, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.

Match your airline to your travel style 💺

What kind of flyer are you?

• Looking for comfort? - Try Singapore Airlines for its polished experience, or Japan Airlines for a calm, elegant journey.
• Like a little luxury? - Cathay Pacific and Korean Air have excellent business-class cabins with lie-flat seats, lounge access and strong on-time records.
• Watching your budget? - Airlines like IndiGo, Scoot, and FlyArystan offer simple, no-frills travel that’s easy on your wallet. Great for short getaways or backpacking trips.

Need a bit of inspiration? Whether you're planning your next trip or just dreaming ahead, here are some of the most popular international routes flown by Asia’s top airlines:

• Singapore – London Heathrow (SIN–LHR) - One of Singapore Airline's flagship routes offering daily A380 service.
• Singapore – New York (JFK/EWR) - One of the world’s longest nonstop flights, operated by Singapore Airlines
• Singapore – Mumbai/Delhi (SIN–BOM/DEL) - Key route operated by Singapore Airlines for Southeast Asia–India connectivity.
• Hong Kong – Bangkok (HKG–BKK) - A popular short-haul leisure and transit route flown by Cathay Pacific.
• Tokyo Haneda – Sapporo (HND–CTS) - Serviced by ANA, this is one of Japan’s busiest domestic routes, especially during ski season.
• Tokyo Haneda – Fukuoka (HND–FUK) - One of the busiest domestic air routes in the world that is provided by JAL.
• Osaka Kansai – Singapore (KIX–SIN) - An important Southeast Asia route provided by ANA.
• Seoul Incheon – Los Angeles (ICN–LAX) - One of Korean Air's flagship U.S. routes with A380 service.
• Seoul Incheon – Paris Charles de Gaulle (ICN–CDG) - A popular route with Europeans, operated by Korean Air.