The most valuable airline and airport brands in 2026
May 1, 2026
London-based consultancy Brand Finance has published its annual report on the most valuable airline and airport brands. The firm has ranked airlines and airports by brand value and brand strength, with value measured by what the brand might earn if licensed and strength measured by how well the brand performs compared to competitors.
Airline brands rise in value to $147 billion
Brand Finance found that the combined value of the world’s top 50 airline brands rose 11% year-on-year to $147 billion. Brand Finance attributes this rise to strong demand for international travel and airlines’ continued investment in premium experiences.
The value of airport brands is also increasing as global hubs compete on passenger experience, connectivity, and reputation.
A brand’s ability to navigate industry turbulence also contributes to both value and strength.
“Airline and airport brands are no longer defined solely by routes and fleets, but by how effectively they respond to uncertainty,” said Savio D’Souza, Global Sector Head of Airlines, Brand Finance. “In today’s environment of geopolitical tension and cost volatility, the strongest brands are those that maintain operational discipline while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality experiences.”
Delta still leads the world’s airline brands
Delta Air Lines remains the world’s most valuable airline brand in 2026, with its brand value rising 25% compared to last year to $18.6 billion.
Brand Finance says Delta’s top-value ranking reflects the airline’s consistent operational performance and premium positioning, with high on-time reliability and a strong customer experience fostering loyalty in both domestic and international markets.
United Airlines ranks second with a brand value of $13.1 billion, driven by international and premium demand growth.
Emirates ranks third with brand value of $10.6 billion, boosted by its long-haul premium travel and strong global brand appeal. The Dubai-based carrier also ranks as the most valuable airline brand outside North America.
Fastest-growing airline brand: Vietjet
Vietjet Air was the fastest-growing airline brand globally in 2026. Its brand value increased by 117% to $906 million.
Brand Finance attributes its rapid rise to the low-cost carrier’s aggressive international expansion across Asia-Pacific and beyond, strong passenger load factors (around 86%), and a more sophisticated ancillary revenue strategy, which now accounts for over 40% of the airline’s revenue.
Strongest airline brands: ANA leads
While the firm’s brand value metric measures financial worth, brand strength evaluates customer perception and performance compared to competitors.
In 2026, All Nippon Airways (ANA) earned the top place as the world’s strongest airline brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 90.2/100 and a top-tier AAA+ rating. Brand Finance market research data shows, “the airline excels across reputation, preference, recommendation, and emotional connection metrics.”
ANA’s rise pushed Southwest Airlines to second place this year. Though the US low-cost giant’s brand value rose by 5% to $6.7 billion, its BSI score slipped to 89.1/100, with an AAA rating. Brand Finance attributes the “slight dip” to the airline’s recent changes in pricing policies, including ending its “bags fly free” policy and introducing differentiated cabin options.
Japan Airlines rose to third in brand strength this year, with its brand value rising 15% to $2.9 billion, a BSI score of 89.1/100, and an AAA rating. Brand Finance attributes this to the airline’s “expanded international services, service innovation, and targeted market engagement.”
Airports: Paris takes the top spot in brand value
The report also highlights a shift among airport brands. Paris Aéroport overtook London Heathrow this year as the world’s most valuable airport brand. Paris enjoyed a 36% brand value rise to $1 billion, mainly driven by “rising passenger traffic and strategic pricing initiatives.”
Heathrow Airport’s brand value dipped 2% to $972 million, giving Paris a slight advantage.
Meanwhile, Singapore Changi remains the strongest airport brand globally with its brand value up 16% to $889 million, a BSI score of 91.2/100, and an AAA+ brand strength rating. Brand Finance attributes these to “record passenger traffic, customer satisfaction, and award-winning service.”
What’s driving airline and airport brand value in 2026?
Brand Finance’s report suggests a shift in what defines a brand’s success in commercial aviation. Airlines and airports are no longer judged solely by their scale or network, but by how well they perform under uncertain conditions.
Key drivers of brand value include operational reliability and resilience, passenger experience investments, and loyalty programmes. Value also appreciates based on a brand’s ability to navigate geopolitical and cost pressures.
As D’Souza says, the strongest brands are those that “combine resilience with premium offerings and a clear customer focus.”
Featured Image: Markus Mainka / stock.adobe.com
