Cayman Airways wins Caribbean’s Leading Airline award

Cayman Airways has been named Caribbean’s Leading Airline for 2026 at the World Travel Awards, claiming the regional title on its first nomination and securing a place among 19 carriers vying for the prestigious World’s Leading Airline award.

The national carrier received the honour at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony in Jamaica on 11 Oct., ending a six-year winning streak by Bahamasair, which had held the title since 2020. Before that, Air Jamaica dominated the category for 12 consecutive years, from 1998 to 2009.

Cayman Airways beat five other regional carriers to claim the title, including Bahamasair, Caribbean Airlines, Air Caraïbes, Arajet and Cubana.

The win also places Cayman Airways on the global stage as the only Caribbean-based carrier nominated for the 2026 World’s Leading Airline award, competing alongside industry giants including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air New Zealand and Turkish Airlines.

‘An extraordinary honour’

Cayman Airways President and CEO Fabian Whorms, who travelled to Jamaica to accept the regional award, described the achievement as particularly significant for a small national airline.

“To be named the Caribbean’s Leading Airline in our very first year of being nominated is an extraordinary honour, and one that means a great deal to all of us at Cayman Airways,” he said.

“As a relatively small national airline competing on an international stage, this achievement is proof that our commitment to service excellence and authentic Caymanian hospitality can stand among the very best in the region.”

Whorms credited the airline’s employees and customers for the achievement, saying the award reflected the dedication of staff across the organisation.

“I am immensely proud of our Cayman Airways family, whose hard work and dedication have made this possible, and I’m deeply grateful to our customers for their continued loyalty and support,” he said.

Global recognition

The global nomination places Cayman Airways in a category historically dominated by some of the world’s largest international carriers.

The 19 contenders for the 2026 title span six continents and include Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Seychelles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, LATAM Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

The award has been dominated by a small group of airlines over the past three decades. Qatar Airways claimed the title for four consecutive years, from 2022 to 2025, following Emirates’ victory in 2021. Etihad Airways won in 2019 and 2020 after an eight-year winning streak from 2009 to 2016. Singapore Airlines and British Airways have also claimed the title on multiple occasions.

Whorms said Cayman Airways’ inclusion among such established international names was an important recognition of the airline’s progress.

“It is especially meaningful for an airline of our size and reinforces our belief that our commitment to excellence, high standards and uniquely Caymanian hospitality can earn recognition well beyond our shores,” he said.

The nomination adds to a growing collection of industry accolades for the airline, including a place among the world’s top 15 international airlines in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards and APEX Four Star Major Airline recognition in 2025 and 2026.

Boost for Cayman tourism

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development Gary Rutty welcomed the award, describing the national carrier as an important contributor to the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry and economic development.

“Cayman Airways is far more than just an airline,” he said. “It is a strategic national asset and an essential partner in the development and continued success of our tourism industry.”

Rutty said the airline’s role in maintaining international connections and supporting visitor arrivals made the recognition particularly valuable.

“International recognition of this calibre strengthens the credibility and competitiveness of the Cayman Islands as a preferred tourism destination and underscores Cayman Airways’ role within our national tourism strategy.”

Voting for the World’s Leading Airline title is open until 30 Oct., with the winner expected to be announced at the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Tanzania on 12 Dec.