Hello, I’m Yamu, a travel blogger who loves the Middle East! In 2024, Qatar Airways, my favorite airline, was named “Airline of the Year.” This prestigious award, often compared to the Oscars or Grand Prix of the aviation industry, truly determines the world’s best airline. As a Qatar Airways fan, I was thrilled to hear they had won this distinguished honor.
The “Airline of the Year” award evaluates various criteria including safety and innovation, but with so many factors considered, it can be difficult to understand what specifically makes an airline attractive. So today, as someone who flies with Qatar Airways about 10 times annually, I’ll share what makes this airline special based on my personal experiences!
One Flight and You’re Hooked! Qatar Airways Service

Once you’ve experienced Qatar Airways’ service, there’s no going back. The hospitality begins the moment you board. I’m consistently impressed by the cabin crew’s smiles and thoughtful attentiveness. Let me highlight some of my favorite aspects of their service.
Savor Middle Eastern Flavors! In-flight Meal Excellence
One of the highlights of flying with Qatar Airways is the in-flight dining. I particularly enjoy the Middle Eastern-style flavors. When traveling internationally, it’s wonderful to begin experiencing a different culture from the moment you board the plane. Qatar Airways excels in exotic, spice-infused dishes that offer a unique deliciousness you won’t find on other airlines. I always look forward to browsing the menu when it’s presented.

Qatar Airways typically offers 2-3 meal options, such as Middle Eastern cuisine, Western cuisine, and vegetarian dishes. Since the menu doesn’t always specify which category each option falls into, it’s helpful to ask the cabin crew for clarification. My personal favorite is the lamb biryani. The perfect blend of spices makes me marvel at how such delicious food can be served at 30,000 feet.
Modern Aircraft and In-flight Quran
Another attraction of Qatar Airways is its state-of-the-art aircraft. They’ve introduced the latest models, including Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, providing superior comfort. The well-regulated cabin pressure and humidity levels make long-distance flights less fatiguing. The entertainment system is also comprehensive, ensuring an enjoyable journey without boredom.
Beyond the latest movies and music, one unique feature I’d like to highlight is the availability of Quran recitations. This reflects the airline’s Islamic cultural roots. For Muslim passengers who need to maintain their prayers during long journeys, the in-flight entertainment system includes Quran recitations – a distinctive Qatar Airways feature. (To be precise, other Middle Eastern airlines offer similar systems, but flights to and from many international destinations rarely include Quran recitations.)

The Quran can be searched by chapter. Personally, I often listen to Quran recitations during my flights to enhance my Arabic language learning, elevate the travel experience, and sometimes as a sleep aid.
Free Transit Service

Qatar Airways offers a free transit service for passengers with connections at Doha’s Hamad International Airport lasting between 8 and 24 hours. As someone who frequently travels through Doha to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, this service is extremely appealing. When utilizing the free transit service, Qatar Airways arranges luxury hotel accommodations and provides up to three complimentary buffet meals depending on the length of your stay – truly impressive hospitality.
However, there are specific conditions and regulations regarding eligibility and service content. Please refer to the report below for more details.
Diversity and Cultural Respect
As mentioned earlier with the Quran recitations and vegetarian menu options, Qatar Airways respects diversity and addresses the needs of passengers from around the world. It’s reassuring that they provide various dining options, including halal meals for Muslim passengers and vegetarian and vegan menus. The cabin crew is multinational and multilingual, creating an international atmosphere where passengers from any country can enjoy their journey with peace of mind. This commitment to diversity was a significant factor in their being awarded Airline of the Year’s top position.
Conclusion
Qatar Airways was named “Airline of the Year 2024” due to a combination of many elements: outstanding service, exotic and delicious in-flight meals, state-of-the-art aircraft and technology, comfortable lounges, environmental consideration, and respect for diversity. These factors set Qatar Airways apart from other airlines. If you haven’t yet flown with Qatar Airways, I highly recommend taking this opportunity to experience a Qatar Airways flight. Their exceptional flying experience will surely make your journey even more wonderful.