TORONTO – Airline food has long been the butt of jokes, but in today’s competitive market, premium lounges are rewriting that narrative. Skytrax, the UK-based airline and airport review organization, has released its annual ranking of the world’s best business class lounge catering for 2025, spotlighting a growing emphasis on fine dining in the skies—or rather, just before boarding. At the top of this year’s list: Air Canada’s Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
For frequent travelers, lounges have evolved far beyond functional waiting areas. Increasingly, they are marketed as integral to the premium travel experience, with food offerings that rival respected restaurants. From curated wine lists to chef-driven menus, these spaces are designed to let passengers relax, dine, and even indulge before stepping onto the aircraft.
Air Canada Leads with Culinary Focus
Air Canada’s Signature Suite has been recognized for setting a new benchmark in the industry. Guests departing on long-haul business class flights are treated to à la carte dining rather than the typical buffet. The menu, developed with leading Canadian chefs, emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce with signature dishes like Atlantic salmon, Alberta beef, and farm-to-table salads.
Beverage options are equally refined. A wine list features Canadian labels alongside global selections, while cocktails are crafted with attention to detail. Combined with full table service and a modern restaurant-style environment, the lounge provides a relaxed space for travelers to enjoy a proper meal before takeoff.
Middle East and Asia Shine
Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha placed second, reflecting the Gulf carrier’s reputation for luxury. The space features both a full-service restaurant and a casual buffet, offering everything from Arabic mezze to Western steaks and pasta. High ceilings and sleek design provide the backdrop to a culinary experience some passengers say matches or exceeds onboard dining.
Cathay Pacific earned third place for its Hong Kong lounges, notably The Pier and The Wing. These spaces emphasize authentic Cantonese cuisine, with The Pier’s famed Noodle Bar serving freshly prepared wonton and dan dan noodles. The airline’s Teahouse offers hand-brewed teas and delicate pastries, reinforcing a sense of local identity.
Singapore Airlines followed in fourth, with its SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport highlighting Asian classics like laksa and chicken rice alongside international offerings. Attention to detail, from presentation to ingredient sourcing, sets the service apart.
Europe’s Premium Players
European carriers also performed strongly. Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse at London Heathrow ranked fifth, praised for its blend of British favorites and playful cocktails. The lounge’s à la carte menu is complemented by its signature afternoon tea, reflecting Virgin’s distinctive brand personality.
Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub placed sixth with a showcase of Turkish culinary traditions, including live cooking stations preparing pide and kebabs, while mezze and baklava round out the experience. Air France ranked seventh, offering passengers seasonal French classics, artisan cheeses, and a dessert station reminiscent of a Parisian patisserie.
Middle East, Iberia, and Qantas Round Out the Top Ten
Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi lounge, in eighth place, balances Middle Eastern flavors with international staples, from lamb kofta and hummus to grilled meats and pastas. Iberia’s Velazquez Lounge at Madrid Barajas came in ninth, offering a distinctly Spanish menu of paella, Iberian ham, and tortilla, paired with regional wines and cava.
Qantas Airways rounded out the top ten with its Sydney business lounge. The menu, curated by celebrity chef Neil Perry, includes salt and pepper squid and seasonal Australian dishes. The lounge’s design and tarmac views enhance the experience, reinforcing Qantas’ reputation for modern Australian hospitality.
A Broader Trend in Premium Travel
The 2025 Skytrax ranking reflects a broader industry shift. Airlines are investing heavily in ground services as competition intensifies in premium cabins. Food quality and presentation have become a key differentiator, signaling that the journey begins long before the seatbelt sign clicks on.
Skytrax’s latest list underscores this evolution: business class lounges are no longer just a preflight convenience but destinations in their own right. Whether it’s Air Canada’s chef-led menus, Qatar Airways’ fine dining atmosphere, or Cathay Pacific’s authentic local flavors, airlines are betting that gourmet experiences on the ground will translate into stronger customer loyalty in the air.
