Turkish Airlines bags Europe’s top food and beverage award for fifth time

Turkish Airlines has won the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award, securing the prestigious recognition for the fifth time and reinforcing its position as a leading global carrier in passenger experience and in-flight hospitality.

The award was presented at the APEX Awards Ceremony held on June 10 in Dublin, Ireland, during the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event. The recognition was based on unbiased, anonymous and verified passenger feedback collected in partnership with TripIt by Concur, one of the world’s most widely used travel planning applications.

During the 2026 evaluation period, passengers rated more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide using a five-star system across categories including seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.

Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer AhmetOlmuştur said the award reflects the passion and craftsmanship invested in every meal served onboard, from menu design to delivery. He thanked passengers for their continued confidence and the airline’s employees for bringing the experience to life.

APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader said the award recognizes Turkish Airlines’ ability to transform inflight dining into a showcase of culture, hospitality, craftsmanship and national pride. He added that the airline continues to set industry benchmarks through its acclaimed culinary programme and service standards.

Turkish Airlines said it continues to enhance its onboard dining experience through its Flying Chef programme, diverse menu offerings and evolving catering concepts across its global network spanning more than 130 countries on six continents.

In Kolkata, the award is expected to strengthen Turkish Airlines’ brand appeal among international travellers from eastern India. With growing outbound travel demand from Kolkata to Europe and other global destinations, premium in-flight services and award-winning dining experiences are increasingly influencing customer preferences, helping airlines differentiate themselves in a highly competitive aviation market.

By Business Bureau