For the fifth consecutive year, Türkiye’s flagship carrier Turkish Airlines has been honored with the APEX World Class award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The accolade, presented at the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony in Long Beach, California, recognizes the airline’s excellence across Safety & Wellbeing, Service–Guest Experience, Sustainability, and Food & Beverage execution.
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 of 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.”
Turkish Airlines is widely recognized for menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs, memorable in-flight dining, and warm Turkish hospitality. The airline’s sustainability initiatives—particularly in waste management and broader environmental practices—were also singled out. APEX honored these combined strengths with the Best in Class awards in both the World Class Sustainability category and the newly introduced 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 Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines. “Our two additional awards this year further highlight our unwavering commitment to offering passengers an exceptional dining experience above the clouds, while continuously advancing innovation and embedding sustainability across 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.”
The recognition underscores Turkish Airlines’ ongoing efforts to blend high-quality service with responsible operational practices. By investing in culinary development and environmental programs, the carrier aims to enhance passenger experience while reducing its ecological footprint. These awards reflect both operational excellence and a strategic focus on long-term sustainability that aligns with growing passenger expectations.
As the airline continues to expand its global network and refine onboard offerings, the APEX honors serve as a public affirmation of its priorities: safety, guest experience, environmentally conscious operations, and outstanding food and beverage service. For travelers, the awards signal that Turkish Airlines remains committed to delivering a refined, hospitable journey that meets contemporary standards for comfort and sustainability.