Korean Air has been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking No. 3 in the International Airlines category and No. 3 in the International Airport Lounges category.
First held in 1987, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards evaluate global travel brands based on the firsthand experiences of hundreds of thousands of readers. The official 2026 results were announced on October 6.
The carrier’s No. 3 ranking in the International Airlines category reflects a steady upward trajectory, following its No. 7 placement in both 2024 and 2025.
Korean Air’s First Class Lounge at Incheon International Airport secured No. 3 spot in the International Airport Lounges category. Following a comprehensive renovation completed in April, the lounge features an open central hall and 11 private suites. The lounge incorporates elements of traditional Korean aesthetics, including wooden pillars, exposed beams, and ramie fabric, offering a private and quiet space for passengers to rest before their flights.
“This recognition from global travelers validates our ongoing commitment to service excellence,” said a Korean Air spokesperson. “We will continue to enhance the passenger journey as we advance our vision of becoming an airline loved by all.”
These awards add to a series of recent global accolades for Korean Air. Earlier this year, the carrier ranked No. 10 in the World’s Best Airline category at the Skytrax 2026 World Airline Awards. The airline’s in-flight beverage program also received extensive industry recognition, winning six categories at the Cellars in the Sky 2026 awards and five categories at the Wines on the Wing 2026 competition.
