Emirates Sweeps BTME 2026 with Best First Class and Best Middle East Lounge
Emirates has been named ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards, also taking home Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East for its First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport. The BTME Awards are voted by Business Traveller Middle East readers and are among the region’s most respected travel honours. Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the awards on behalf of the airline.
BTME Readers Vote Emirates Top Airline as Fleet Upgrades and Starlink Rollout Continue
The wins highlight Emirates’ focus on upgrading the passenger experience in the air and on the ground. The airline is refurbishing 219 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, while new Airbus A350 deliveries are expanding its latest cabins across nearly 140 destinations. Refurbished aircraft and new A350s now serve over 70 global routes, delivering a more consistent inflight experience. Its First Class offering includes enclosed suites, dine-on-demand, caviar with Dom Pérignon, Bulgari and Byredo amenities, Shower Spas, and an Onboard Lounge on the A380, plus chauffeur-drive and lounge access in dozens of cities.
On the ground, Emirates’ Dubai First Class Lounges were recognized for à la carte dining, spa treatments, premium retail, and direct gate boarding. The airline is also investing in connectivity and coverage, with Starlink now live on 36 aircraft as part of a plan for the world’s largest Starlink-enabled wide-body fleet, a new Comprehensive Travel Cover insurance product, and a new daily service to Helsinki launching in October — the only year-round direct link between Finland and the UAE.
