Turkish Airlines Named Europe’s Best for In-Flight Dining by APEX for Fifth Time
Turkish Airlines has been awarded the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe title, marking the fifth time the carrier has received the distinction and reaffirming its reputation for delivering an exceptional in-flight dining experience.
The award was presented during the APEX Awards Ceremony held on June 10 in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event.
The 2026 APEX Best Airline Awards were based on verified and anonymous passenger feedback collected in partnership with TripIt by Concur, one of the world’s most widely used travel planning applications. More than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated through a five-star rating system covering seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi.
Commenting on the achievement, Ahmet Olmuştur, Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines, said the recognition reflects the dedication and passion invested in every aspect of the carrier’s culinary experience.
“We are very glad to be recognized by APEX as the Best Food & Beverage airline in Europe for the fifth time. This award speaks to the passion and craftsmanship our teams pour into every meal we serve above the clouds, starting from menu design to the moment it reaches our guests,” Olmuştur said, expressing gratitude to passengers and airline employees for their continued trust and commitment.
Dr. Joe Leader, CEO of APEX Group, described Turkish Airlines’ dining experience as an embodiment of culture, hospitality and craftsmanship, noting that the carrier has transformed inflight meals into an authentic representation of Türkiye’s heritage and national identity.
He added that Turkish Airlines continues to demonstrate how a global airline can combine scale with personalized service, creating memorable experiences that go beyond simply serving food to passengers.
The carrier has continued to enhance its onboard culinary offerings through its Flying Chef program, diverse menu selections and evolving catering concepts. By blending Turkish hospitality with quality, authenticity and variety, Turkish Airlines aims to provide passengers with a distinctive gastronomic experience across its network, which spans more than 130 countries on six continents.
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines currently operates 545 passenger and cargo aircraft and serves 358 destinations worldwide, including 305 international and 53 domestic destinations across 133 countries. The airline is also a member of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance.
