Imagine stepping onto a plane and being guided past cramped economy seats, where the smell of someone’s packed lunch fills the air, to a space that feels like a luxurious palace in the sky. Welcome to the extravagant realm of first-class aviation, where airlines compete fiercely to provide an experience that makes passengers feel like royalty at 35,000 feet. Here, comfort is paramount, with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service that often surpass the comforts of upscale apartments.

In 2025, the competition among airlines has reached new heights, with innovations in design and service that cater to the discerning traveler. From private suites with sliding doors to onboard showers and gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs, the amenities offered in first class are designed to pamper passengers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat during a long-haul flight or a lavish experience that includes personal butlers and extensive wine selections, the world of first-class travel is more opulent than ever before.

As we explore the top airlines for first-class travel in 2025, it's clear that these experiences represent not just a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle choice. The following airlines have set the standard for luxury in the skies, making each journey an unforgettable experience.

Top First Class Airlines for 2025

1. Etihad Airways A380 Residence

Etihad Airways has redefined luxury with its Airbus A380 first-class "Apartments," featuring nine enclosed suites equipped with sliding doors. Each suite includes a Poltrona Frau leather recliner, a separate sleeping area with lavish linens, and a vanity fit for social media influencers. With the push of a button, electronic window shades transform the cabin atmosphere, and a large swiveling TV allows passengers to enjoy the latest films while dining. 

For the ultimate indulgence, "The Residence" offers a lavish two-room suite with a queen bed and butler service, costing over $25,000. Passengers can also enjoy gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, ensuring a culinary experience that matches the luxurious surroundings.

2. Emirates 777-300ER

Emirates has elevated the middle seat to a coveted space in its Boeing 777-300ER, featuring two rows of three luxurious suites. Passengers can indulge in selections from a $500-million wine cellar while enjoying zero-gravity seating designed by space engineers.

The suite also includes a video chat system for easy communication with the crew, alongside 32-inch HD monitors and personalized climate control. Emirates also offers an onboard shower spa, allowing first-class passengers to refresh during long-haul flights, adding to the sense of indulgence.

3. Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000

Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 showcases meticulous attention to detail, offering six individual suites that resemble spacious sofas. With the largest TV screens in aviation at 43 inches and immersive audio from headrest speakers, the experience is further enhanced by a culinary program that highlights Japan's gastronomic excellence, including rare champagnes and exclusive whiskeys.

Passengers can also enjoy authentic Japanese kaiseki meals, prepared with seasonal ingredients, elevating the dining experience.

4. Air France La Première

Air France’s La Première epitomizes French elegance, providing private sedan transfers from the lounge to the aircraft, eliminating terminal stress. Passengers savor a gourmet tasting menu crafted by renowned chefs, served under polished silver cloches.

The suites feature floor-to-ceiling curtains and an array of amenities, including private wardrobes and separate lounges, creating a chic Parisian ambiance at cruising altitude. Additionally, the cabin design incorporates mood lighting and soundproofing for an unparalleled sense of tranquility.

5. Lufthansa A350 Allegris

Lufthansa’s first-class experience reflects German precision and sophistication, from fresh roses at each seat to luxurious pajamas. The Frankfurt hub includes a private terminal with a restaurant, nap rooms, and shower suites.

The new A350 Allegris boasts full-height doors and a unique double-bedded center suite, ensuring both intimacy and privacy for couples or solo travelers. Special sound-dampening carpets enhance comfort, while the onboard dining features a selection of gourmet dishes paired with fine wines from a curated list.

6. Singapore Airlines A380 Suites

Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites are the largest in commercial aviation, offering 50 square feet of space per passenger, complete with separate reclining chairs and beds. The pre-flight experience at Changi Airport sets the bar high, with complimentary champagne and a diverse menu featuring gourmet dishes.

The control tablet allows passengers to adjust lighting and ambiance, enhancing the luxurious experience. Additionally, the cabin includes a dedicated crew member for personalized service, ensuring that every need is met promptly.

7. Cathay Pacific Boeing 777

Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777 first-class exemplifies understated luxury. Although the suites lack privacy doors, they provide some of the most comfortable lie-flat seats available. The culinary offerings include premium meats and authentic Asian dishes, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is executed with excellence.

Passengers can also partake in a selection of fine wines and spirits, curated to complement the diverse menu, enhancing the gourmet experience.

8. All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-300ER

ANA’s Boeing 777-300ER, known as "The Suites," showcases Japanese hospitality through fully-enclosed suites and expansive 42-inch entertainment screens. The beverage selection includes a variety of premium sakes and champagnes.

Thoughtful design features, such as coat closets and electronically controlled window blinds, enhance passenger comfort and convenience. The onboard service includes personalized greetings and attention to detail that reflects the best of Japanese culture.

9. Qantas A380

Qantas’ Airbus A380 first-class seamlessly connects Australia to the U.S. with a luxurious experience that begins in their well-appointed airport lounges. Onboard, passengers enjoy spacious beds and a variety of high-quality dining options, including plant-based meals, reflecting modern dietary trends.

The experience also includes a dedicated onboard chef who crafts meals tailored to individual preferences, ensuring that the dining experience is as unique as it is delicious.

Conclusion

These nine exceptional first-class offerings are more than mere transportation; they are lifestyle statements characterized by cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. Whether it’s Etihad’s apartment-style suites, Emirates’ innovative features, or Singapore’s spacious accommodations, these premium cabins affirm that luxury knows no bounds in the skies. So, the next time you find yourself wedged in economy, remember that above the clouds, others are reveling in their flying palaces, complete with personal butlers and beds that rival those in five-star hotels. In this world of aviation luxury, the sky truly is the limit.

On August 29, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced a decisive move during a special parliamentary session: Türkiye has severed all economic and trade relations with Israel and imposed a ban on Israeli aircraft entering Turkish airspace. The parliament also adopted a resolution condemning Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip as genocide.

“We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,” Fidan declared, decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warning of the broader regional instability fueled by Israeli military operations against neighboring countries, including Syria.

However, Reuters later clarified that the airspace ban applies specifically to government flights and aircraft transporting munitions to Israel, while commercial flights transiting Turkish airspace remain unrestricted. Supporting this, independent analysis from aviation intelligence platform ch-aviation shows that Israeli carriers such as El Al Israel Airlines, Israir, and Arkia continue to fly over Türkiye en route to destinations across Europe and the Caucasus without any noticeable rerouting. No official Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) have been issued to restrict these overflights.

Türkiye and Israel have maintained a tense political relationship for several years. All direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza. In a further indication of strained ties, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines relinquished their remaining slots at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport in April 2025, signaling that their return to the Israeli market remains unlikely in the near future.

While Türkiye’s move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel, the continuation of commercial overflights suggests a cautious approach to aviation restrictions, balancing political stance with operational realities of regional air traffic.

As the humanitarian and geopolitical crisis unfolds, the Turkish government’s actions reflect growing condemnation of Israeli policies in Gaza, underscoring the complex and volatile dynamics in Middle Eastern relations.

Wizz Air has officially ended its Abu Dhabi-based operations as of September 1, marking a strategic retreat from the UAE market to focus more heavily on its European network. While this move has resulted in some flight cancellations and operational shifts, travelers seeking affordable flights from the UAE will not be left stranded. A number of other low-cost carriers are actively stepping in to fill the gap, ensuring continued access to budget-friendly travel options.

Wizz Air’s August traffic report confirmed its last outbound flight from Abu Dhabi flew on August 31. The airline is simultaneously rebuilding its Tel Aviv hub, aiming to restart a full schedule of 24 routes by mid-September, underscoring the company’s adaptability following the suspension of summer flights from the UAE.

The decision to close Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi base stems from a mix of operational challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the region and technical difficulties arising from harsh climate conditions affecting aircraft engines. While the airline’s Abu Dhabi-based arm has ceased operations, some routes from the broader Wizz Air European network will continue to fly to and from Abu Dhabi.

For passengers accustomed to Wizz Air’s low fares, several alternative budget airlines are ready to meet ongoing demand across the UAE and beyond:

• Air Arabia and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi: As the Middle East’s first and largest low-cost airline, Air Arabia operates from Sharjah, while its joint venture with Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, flies from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. Both carriers serve numerous destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
• flydubai: Dubai-based flydubai blends low fares with some full-service offerings, flying to more than 120 destinations worldwide. It is a popular choice for routes to Eastern Europe and South Asia.
• flynas: The Saudi low-cost carrier operates flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to multiple destinations, including Saudi cities, Tbilisi, and Brussels.
• IndiGo and Air India Express: These Indian carriers provide frequent, affordable connections between India and the UAE, covering a broad range of cities.
• Pegasus Airlines and Jazeera Airways: Pegasus offers budget flights to Turkey and onward connections to Europe from Sharjah and Dubai, while Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways serves routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

Though Wizz Air’s exit marks a shift in the UAE’s aviation landscape, the presence of these well-established low-cost competitors ensures the market remains dynamic and competitive. Travelers can continue to find attractive deals and explore a wide variety of destinations without stretching their budgets, especially during promotional periods when even full-service airlines offer significant discounts.

Great news for fans of the legendary manga and anime series One Piece: you no longer have to journey to Japan to shop at the iconic Mugiwara Store. On September 12, Singapore will welcome its very first official Mugiwara Store at Jewel Changi Airport, offering devotees an exciting treasure trove of exclusive One Piece merchandise.

Named after the Japanese term for “Straw Hat” — a nod to the series’ protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his adventurous crew — the Mugiwara Store will feature a wide range of collectibles including apparel, accessories, keychains, plush toys, and detailed figures. Fans can also enjoy immersive photo spots that bring the world of One Piece to life.

The store’s design draws inspiration from the One Piece Egghead Arc, where the Straw Hat Pirates explore the futuristic Egghead Island. This thematic setting adds a unique and immersive atmosphere for shoppers, making it more than just a retail experience.

Ng Kuan Luen, director of the Singapore-based omnichannel platform Omnisekai and part of the store’s management, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to announce the One Piece Mugiwara Store at Jewel Changi Airport, marking Singapore’s first-ever flagship location for this beloved manga and anime series. With its global appeal and iconic setting, Jewel Changi Airport is the perfect home for the Mugiwara Store’s debut in Singapore.”

The store opens its doors on September 12, 2025, located at 78 Airport Boulevard, #04-235/236, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666. It will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., inviting all One Piece fans and collectors to dive into a world of adventure and exclusive merchandise right in the heart of Singapore.

Malaysia is aiming high to boost its tourism industry, targeting 43 million foreign visitors this year and an even more ambitious 47 million in 2026. This bold vision aligns with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign’s goal to attract travelers who stay longer and spend more, strengthening the nation’s position as a top global destination.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, speaking after chairing the VM2026 National Main Committee meeting on September 2, outlined three key strategies that form the foundation of the campaign’s success. Central to these plans are stronger destination branding and more aggressive marketing campaigns designed to stimulate demand. Additionally, the government is actively working to boost visitor traffic through closer collaboration with airlines, travel agencies, and key regional land and sea entry points.

The campaign also targets specific markets and high-impact tourism segments, including ecotourism, shopping tourism, and unique niche attractions tailored to meet the interests of diverse traveler groups. These focused efforts aim to maximize visitor engagement and spending.

“The VM2026 campaign is a national priority that seeks to increase tourism revenue, enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness, and ensure that tourism continues to be a major contributor to the country’s GDP,” said Ahmad Zahid. Highlighting the sector’s strong recovery, he noted that Malaysia welcomed 38 million foreign visitors in 2024—a 31.1 percent increase from the previous year—while domestic tourism recorded 260.1 million visits, up 21.7 percent compared to 2023.

Seasonal tourism promotions are also a key focus, especially to attract visitors from the Middle East, a region challenged by extreme weather conditions at certain times of the year. One proposed initiative is to amplify the Malaysia Midnight Sale, positioning the country as a premier shopping destination for global tourists.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of unified action across government ministries and agencies to provide seamless service to visitors. “I want every ministry and agency to work together, move in step, and deliver the best experience to tourists,” he said. “With firm commitment, Malaysia will continue to excel as a world-class tourism destination, rich in culture, safe to visit, and able to generate shared prosperity.”

Supporting the overarching VM2026 campaign is a structure of six working sub-committees led by various ministries, including Tourism, Arts and Culture; Communications; Housing and Local Government; Transport; and Tourism Malaysia itself. This collaborative framework aims to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in both existing and emerging markets.
“I am confident that with serious focus and cooperation, Malaysia will boost its tourism sector significantly by 2026,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid concluded.

The ambitious VM2026 campaign underscores Malaysia’s commitment to revitalizing tourism and capitalizing on its diverse attractions, from natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences, ensuring the country remains a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

The island paradise of Phuket is riding an extraordinary wave of tourism recovery in 2025, welcoming millions of travelers and generating remarkable revenue that underscores its position as Thailand’s premier tourist destination. Data from the Provincial Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office in Phuket reveals that over 7.6 million tourists arrived between January and July alone, injecting an astonishing 290 billion baht into the island’s economy.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat highlighted the diverse mix of visitors fueling this resurgence. Russians, Chinese, and Indians topped the arrival charts for the seven-month period, while European tourists surged in July, accounting for nearly 43% of visitors in that month. July’s tourist count reached approximately 887,000, contributing 36 billion baht to the local economy, a vivid sign of the island’s enduring appeal.

Hotel occupancy rates reflect healthy demand, with an average of 76.61% from January to July and a July occupancy of 63.99%, which mirrors typical seasonal travel patterns. The bustling hospitality sector benefits from a steady flow of international travelers who continue to choose Phuket for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.

Phuket’s growing visitor numbers are strongly supported by increased air traffic. Phuket International Airport recorded 63,007 flights in the first seven months of the year—a 6% rise over the same period last year. July by itself saw 7,896 flights touching down, signaling robust connections and accessibility for global travelers.

Adding to the island’s global reach, three new international airlines launched direct routes to Phuket in 2025. AirAsia inaugurated a four-times-weekly Medan-Phuket route, Asiana Airlines increased connectivity with 14 weekly flights from Seoul, and Air France began operating a thrice-weekly Paris-Phuket service. These new links not only broaden Phuket’s market but also make the island more accessible to diverse audiences.

Maritime tourism is also thriving. From January to July, 154,217 visitors arrived via 55 tourist boats, complemented by 670 travelers onboard 527 yachts, reinforcing the importance of sea-based arrivals in Phuket’s tourism mosaic.

Last year, Phuket welcomed a record 13.1 million visitors and amassed staggering tourism revenue of 497 billion baht, securing its status as Thailand’s top-earning province for tourism, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Encouragingly, the current year’s figures suggest Phuket is well on pace to match or potentially surpass those high benchmarks by year-end.

With expanding flight routes, consistently strong hotel occupancy, and tourists arriving from all corners of the globe, Phuket’s tourism sector is not merely recovering—it’s booming. The island is poised to continue dazzling travelers and driving economic growth well into the future, reaffirming its crown jewel status in Thailand’s tourism landscape.