Turkish Airlines has once again earned recognition for its premium onboard dining experience, winning the Best Food & Beverage in Europe award at the 2026 APEX Best Airline Awards. The achievement marks the fifth time the airline has received the prestigious honour, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading carriers for in-flight hospitality and culinary excellence.
The award was presented during the APEX Awards Ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, on 10 June as part of the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event. The recognition highlights Turkish Airlines’ continued commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience through high-quality meals, exceptional service and authentic hospitality.
The APEX Best Airline Awards are based entirely on passenger feedback. In partnership with TripIt by Concur, one of the world’s most widely used travel planning applications, APEX collected verified and anonymous reviews from travellers around the globe. During the evaluation period, passengers rated more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines using a five-star rating system.
Travellers assessed airlines across five major categories, including seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi. Turkish Airlines emerged as the leading carrier in Europe for its food and beverage offerings, reflecting strong passenger appreciation for its onboard dining experience.
Commenting on the achievement, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Olmuştur said the award reflects the dedication and passion of the airline’s teams. He noted that every meal served onboard represents extensive planning and craftsmanship, beginning with menu creation and ending with service to passengers in the air.
According to the airline, its dining philosophy combines traditional Turkish hospitality with international culinary standards. The carrier has invested heavily in offering fresh ingredients, diverse menu options and regionally inspired dishes designed to enhance the travel experience.
One of the standout features of Turkish Airlines’ service is its Flying Chef programme, which brings trained culinary professionals onboard selected flights. These chefs help prepare and present meals while ensuring that passengers receive restaurant-style service during their journey.
APEX Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Joe Leader praised the airline for transforming in-flight dining into a reflection of culture, craftsmanship and national identity. He stated that Turkish Airlines has successfully elevated onboard meals beyond simple food service by creating an experience that showcases the richness of Türkiye’s culinary heritage and hospitality traditions.
The airline currently operates one of the world’s most extensive international networks, flying to more countries than any other carrier. With services spanning over 130 countries across six continents, Turkish Airlines serves millions of passengers annually and continues to position itself as a global ambassador for Turkish culture.
The latest award comes as airlines worldwide compete to improve customer experiences beyond transportation alone. Dining, entertainment and personalised service have become increasingly important factors influencing traveller satisfaction and brand loyalty.
By securing the Best Food & Beverage in Europe title for a fifth time, Turkish Airlines has reaffirmed its position among the industry’s leading carriers and demonstrated that exceptional hospitality remains a key ingredient in winning passenger trust and admiration.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
