Emirates and Delta Air Lines have retained their leading titles in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Verified Air Travel Awards, with the winners set to be celebrated in Monaco next February.

Announced on Tuesday 20th October, the third edition recognises airlines, airports and private aviation experiences across 18 categories. Emirates was named Best International Airline and Delta Best U.S. Airline for the third consecutive year.

Delta collected six awards, the largest haul of any carrier, including recognition for its first-class cabin, loyalty programme and Delta One lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Singapore Changi took Best International Airport, while New York’s LaGuardia retained the U.S. airport title. Air New Zealand’s Skynest, designed to offer lie-flat rest facilities to economy passengers, received Innovation of the Year.

How the winners were chosen

The results came from an invitation-only survey of nearly 9,000 hospitality industry travellers, including luxury travel advisers, leaders of Forbes Travel Guide Star-Rated hotels, inspectors and training specialists. Forbes Travel Guide validated the results.

The organisation emphasises that these survey-based awards are separate from its Star Ratings, which use professional inspections to assess hospitality establishments.

Monaco prepares to welcome the winners

The recipients will be honoured during The Summit, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual gathering of luxury travel and hospitality professionals, taking place in Monaco from 23rd to 26th February 2027.

The published programme includes sessions and networking at the Grimaldi Forum, followed by a gala at Sporting Monte-Carlo on Thursday 25th February.

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Photo source: Forbes Travel Summit