For the fifth year in a row, Türkiye’s flagship carrier Turkish Airlines has been honored with the World Class award issued by Airline Passenger Experience Association. The award, bestowed during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony in Long Beach, California, recognized the airline for excellence in the categories of Safety & Wellbeing, Service-Guest Experience, Sustainability, and Food & Beverage Executions.

Ahmet Bolat © Turkish Airlines

“Turkish Airlines marks its fifth consecutive year as an APEX World Class airline in 2026, while also making history as the first airline to capture two APEX World Class service awards in the same year,” said Dr. Joe Leader, CEO, APEX Group. “Achieving the 2026 APEX World Class Best Food & Beverage distinction alongside the 2026 APEX World Class Sustainability award against formidable global competition reflects a balance of culinary excellence and environmental leadership. Turkish Airlines continues to set a new global benchmark by pairing authentic hospitality with innovation that redefines what passengers can expect from world-class travel.”

Known for exceptional menus accommodating guests’ assorted tastes and needs, outstanding in-flight dining experiences, and Turkish hospitality, Turkish Airlines is also noteworthy for sustainability initiatives including waste management. APEX recognized these efforts with two additional awards, Best in Class in the World Class Sustainability Category and newly introduced Best in Class in the World Class Food & Beverage Executions Category.

© Turkish Airlines

“We are honored to receive the prestigious ‘World Class award from APEX for the fifth consecutive year, reaffirming our leadership in the global aviation industry,” said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines. “Our two additional awards this year further highlight our unwavering commitment to offering our guests an exceptional dining experience above the clouds, while continuously advancing innovation and embedding sustainability in of our operations. I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Turkish Airlines family for their dedication in making these achievements possible, and to our valued guests for the trust they place in us.”