Write Hatem Mohamed
Turkish Airlines, the airline operating flights to more countries than any other carrier globally, has been named Best Food & Beverage in Europe at the 2026 APEX Airline Passenger Experience Association Awards. This marks the fifth time the flag carrier has received the accolade, reaffirming its commitment to exceptional in-flight dining and passenger satisfaction.
The award was presented at the APEX Awards Ceremony on 10 June in Dublin, Ireland, held alongside the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event.
Passenger-driven recognition
The 2026 APEX Awards are based entirely on unbiased, anonymous, and verified passenger feedback collected in partnership with TripIt® by Concur®, one of the world’s most widely used travel planning apps. During the evaluation period, passengers rated more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide using a five-star system across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi.
CEO comments
Commenting on the recognition, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Olmuştur said: “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, from menu design to the moment it reaches our guests. Our heartfelt thanks go to our passengers for their continued trust, and to every member of the Turkish Airlines family who brings this experience to life.”
APEX perspective
APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader added: “Turkish Airlines receiving the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award reflects far more than excellence on a tray. It celebrates an airline that has transformed inflight dining into a true expression of culture, hospitality, craftsmanship, and national pride. As an APEX World Class airline, Turkish Airlines continues to prove that global scale and aviation soul can ascend together. Its food and beverage experience does not simply satisfy passengers, it tells a story of place, care, generosity, and aviation leadership.”
Culinary excellence in the skies
Turkish Airlines continues to elevate its in-flight dining by blending authentic Turkish hospitality with quality, variety, and innovation. Through its signature Flying Chef program, diverse seasonal menus, and continuously evolving catering concepts, the airline delivers a distinctive gastronomic experience to passengers across its network spanning 130+ countries on six continents.
