World AirlinesDirectory

There are approximately 5,000+ airlines operating globally in 2026. This includes major international carriers (about 150), regional airlines (1,500+), low-cost carriers (200+), charter airlines (500+), and cargo operators (300+). Our directory features 450+ major commercial airlines with IATA codes that operate scheduled passenger services across all continents.

The three global airline alliances are: Star Alliance (founded 1997, largest with 26 member airlines including Lufthansa, United, Singapore Airlines), SkyTeam (founded 2000, 19 members including Delta, Air France-KLM, Korean Air), and Oneworld (founded 1999, 14 members including British Airways, American Airlines, Qatar Airways). These alliances enable codeshare agreements, frequent flyer benefits, and lounge access across member airlines.

Full-service carriers (FSC) include meals, checked baggage, seat selection, and entertainment in your ticket price. Examples: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways. Low-cost carriers (LCC) offer lower base fares with optional paid add-ons for baggage, meals, and seat selection. Examples: Ryanair, AirAsia, Spirit Airlines. Both types maintain equal safety standards as required by aviation regulations.

An IATA (International Air Transport Association) airline code is a unique two-letter designator assigned to each airline. Examples: EK (Emirates), BA (British Airways), AA (American Airlines), SQ (Singapore Airlines). These codes appear on your boarding pass, baggage tags, and are used in reservation systems. ICAO codes are three-letter alternatives used in flight operations.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded on October 7, 1919, is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. Other historic airlines include Avianca (Colombia, 1919), Qantas (Australia, 1920), and Czech Airlines (1923). Many early airlines have merged or ceased operations, making KLM's continuous operation remarkable.

According to aviation safety ratings, consistently top-rated airlines include Qantas, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Safety ratings consider factors like fatal accident history, audit records, fleet age, and operational standards. All commercial airlines must meet strict ICAO safety requirements.

By fleet size, American Airlines is the largest with 900+ aircraft. By passengers carried, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines lead in the US, while Ryanair dominates Europe. By international passengers, Emirates and Turkish Airlines are among the leaders. China Southern Airlines has the largest fleet in Asia.

Budget airlines reduce costs through: single aircraft types (lower maintenance costs), higher seat density, point-to-point routes (no connections), secondary airports (lower fees), unbundled pricing (pay only for what you need), quick turnaround times, direct online bookings (no middlemen), and fuel-efficient operations. The core flight is safe and identical to premium carriers.

A codeshare flight is operated by one airline but sold under multiple airline codes. For example, a British Airways flight might also be sold as an American Airlines flight number. This allows airlines to expand their network without operating additional aircraft. Your ticket shows both the marketing carrier and the operating carrier.

Top-rated business class products (2026) include: Qatar Airways Qsuite (private suites), Singapore Airlines (lie-flat seats), Emirates (onboard bar/shower), Etihad Airways (apartment suites), ANA All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Turkish Airlines. Rankings are based on seat comfort, dining, service, and amenities.

If your airline ceases operations: 1) Book via credit card for payment protection, 2) Travel insurance may cover rebooking costs, 3) Alliance partners sometimes assist stranded passengers, 4) Regulatory bodies (CAA, DOT) may mandate passenger protection, 5) You may be entitled to EU261 compensation (EU flights). Always check airline financial health before booking.

Frequent flyer programs award miles/points based on distance flown or money spent. Accumulated miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or partner services. Status tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) unlock benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and bonus miles. Alliance membership allows earning and redeeming across partner airlines.