Lufthansa Soars to European Excellence for Second Consecutive Year
Amidst the stunning backdrop of Sardinia, Italy, the prestigious World Travel Awards 2025—often referred to as the “Oscars of tourism”—crowned German airline Lufthansa as “Europe’s Leading Airline” for the second year in a row. This remarkable achievement adds to Lufthansa’s impressive legacy, marking its 13th win in this category since the awards’ inception in 1993. The airline dominated the European skies from 2011 to 2016 with an unbroken winning streak, cementing its reputation for excellence. This year’s triumph saw Lufthansa edge out strong contenders like KLM Royal Dutch and British Airways, while also securing additional accolades for best economy class airline and best airline brand. These honors reflect Lufthansa’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service across all aspects of the travel experience, from booking to destination arrival.
The success of Lufthansa highlights the strength of its expansive global network, which connects passengers to more than 200 destinations worldwide. As Europe’s second-largest airline by passenger volume (trailing only behind Ryanair), Lufthansa has managed to balance the scale of its operations with a consistent focus on quality service. The Lufthansa Group’s influence extends beyond its flagship carrier, with Swiss International Air Lines—another member of the group—earning distinguished recognition for Europe’s Leading First Class and Europe’s Leading Business Class experiences. This family success story encompasses a diverse portfolio of airlines including Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss Air, Air Dolomiti, and Austrian Airlines, creating a formidable presence in European aviation that prioritizes traveler satisfaction across different market segments and price points.
The World Travel Awards’ rigorous selection process lends significant weight to these achievements. The dual voting system combines input from qualified travel professionals, executives, and consumers, with industry votes carrying greater influence than public opinion. This balanced approach ensures that winners truly represent excellence as judged by both experts and the travelers they serve. For Lufthansa, receiving this recognition speaks to its success in delivering punctuality, consistency, and quality service—the key criteria valued by the awards committee. In an industry where delays and service inconsistencies can quickly damage reputations, Lufthansa’s continued recognition demonstrates its ability to maintain high standards across its extensive operations, from ground handling to in-flight experiences.
The competitive landscape in European aviation remains fierce, with several prestigious carriers vying for top honors. This year’s nominations for Europe’s best airlines included industry stalwarts British Airways and Air France, along with KLM Royal Dutch, Icelandair, Iberia, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Each brings unique strengths to the marketplace, whether through route networks, national hospitality traditions, or innovative service concepts. Beyond airlines, the awards celebrated excellence across the travel ecosystem. Zurich Airport claimed the title of Europe’s Leading Airport 2025, while THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus, along with Heathrow Terminal 2’s No. 1 Lounge, shared honors as Europe’s Leading Airport Lounges. These recognitions highlight how the entire journey—from airport experience to in-flight service—contributes to traveler satisfaction in today’s competitive market.
The broader travel landscape revealed through these awards showcases Europe’s diverse appeal as a destination. Portugal captured the hearts of travelers to earn recognition as Europe’s most popular destination, while Batumi, Georgia emerged as the continent’s best all-season destination—a testament to its year-round appeal. Island enthusiasts found their paradise acknowledged with Madeira receiving the distinction of Europe’s Leading Island Destination. Cultural tourism also received recognition through Dublin’s Trinity College being named Europe’s best academic tourist attraction. These varied winners illustrate the rich tapestry of experiences available to travelers exploring Europe, from sun-soaked Mediterranean islands to historic academic institutions steeped in tradition and knowledge.
As Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, aptly noted, “Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across our industry.” This sentiment captures the true significance of these awards beyond the prestige they confer. Each winner, including Lufthansa with its continued excellence, contributes to elevating industry standards that benefit all travelers. In a post-pandemic world where travel has regained its essential place in connecting cultures and economies, recognizing those who deliver exceptional experiences becomes even more meaningful. Lufthansa’s consistent performance speaks not only to its organizational capabilities but also to the dedication of thousands of employees who make each journey possible. As travelers increasingly seek reliability and quality in their travel choices, Lufthansa’s recognition at the World Travel Awards positions it favorably for continued success in Europe’s dynamic aviation market.
