FRANKFURT – For the first time since 2018, Qatar Airways has been dethroned as the world’s top airline, with Brussels Airlines emerging as the new leader in the 2024 Airhelp Score. This prestigious ranking, known for assessing airlines on criteria such as punctuality, customer satisfaction, compensation, onboard cleanliness, food offerings, and cabin comfort, has placed the Belgian airline in the number one spot with a remarkable score of 8.12 out of 10.

Qatar Airways, which had held the top position for several years, now ranks second, with only a slight difference—scoring 8.11 points. Despite this small drop, the airline remains a strong contender in the global aviation market.

The major US carriers United Airlines and American Airlines secured the third and fourth positions, respectively, showing strong performances in customer service and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, Icelandic low-cost carrier Play made a surprising debut in the ranking’s top five, securing fifth place with a score of 7.89. Play also stood out for its punctuality, tying for first place with Oman Air.

While the German airlines did not make it to the top of the list, the 2024 Airhelp Score highlights a shift in global aviation dynamics, with smaller carriers such as Play making significant strides. The full list underscores the importance of factors like on-time arrivals and overall passenger experience in determining the best airlines in the world.

However, Lufthansa doesn’t walk away completely empty-handed: Brussels Airlines belongs to the Lufthansa Group. The Lufthansa Group includes several airlines, such as the German Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, and other subsidiaries. Brussels Airlines became part of the Lufthansa Group in 2008 when Lufthansa acquired the majority of shares in the Belgian airline. (hb)