Emirates has once again been recognised at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards, securing the industry’s most prestigious honour-Best Airline Worldwide-along with Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East for its First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport.
According to a report by the company today, the long-running Business Traveller Middle East Awards are among the region’s most prestigious travel industry honours, recognising excellence across the business travel sector. Winners are selected through nominations and votes cast by Business Traveller Middle East readers. Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the awards on behalf of the airline.
The awards reflect Emirates’ continued commitment to enhancing the customer experience, both in the air and on the ground. With 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft undergoing comprehensive refurbishment, the airline’s fleet retrofit programme continues to gain momentum. Meanwhile, the ongoing delivery of new Airbus A350 aircraft is introducing the airline’s latest cabin products and technologies across its expanding global network of nearly 140 destinations.
The refurbished aircraft and newly delivered Airbus A350s now serve more than 70 Emirates destinations worldwide, providing customers travelling to, from, or through Dubai with a more refined and consistent inflight experience.
Emirates’ First Class continues to set the benchmark for luxury air travel, featuring enclosed private suites, a dine-on-demand menu showcasing regionally inspired cuisine, unlimited caviar paired with Dom Pérignon champagne, premium loungewear and Bulgari amenity kits, luxury skincare products by Byredo, the Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge on the A380, and a range of other carefully curated amenities. The premium experience in both First and Business Class extends beyond the cabin through chauffeur-drive services available in nearly 90 Emirates destinations, priority airport services, and access to Emirates lounges in more than 30 destinations worldwide.
Recognised as the Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East, Emirates’ three First Class Lounges at Dubai International Airport offer à la carte dining, complimentary spa treatments, a premium duty-free shopping area, an exceptional wine selection, direct boarding from selected gates, and a wide range of exclusive services.
Continued investment in its products, services, and network has enabled Emirates to remain at the forefront of the global aviation industry. The airline has also begun rolling out Starlink connectivity across its fleet and, once the programme is completed, will operate the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international wide-body fleet.
So far, 36 aircraft have been equipped with the high-speed internet service, allowing passengers to stream entertainment, play online games, make voice calls, work, and access social media throughout their journey. Emirates has also recently introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover insurance-an industry-first initiative designed to provide travellers with enhanced protection and greater peace of mind. Later this year, in October, the airline will launch a daily service to Helsinki, becoming the only carrier to offer a year-round, non-stop connection between Finland and the United Arab Emirates.