PARIS - Qatar Airways on Tuesday was named the best airline in the world this year based customer satisfaction, as it weathered a flight ban to three other Middle East countries.

Singapore Airlines placed second, followed by Japan's All Nippon Airways, according to rankings released by Skytrax, considered the aviation industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

AirAsia was named best low-cost carrier for the ninth consecutive year. Its CEO Tony Fernandes said the carrier was looking at strengthening its Southeast Asian presence instead of expanding in Europe.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have barred flights from Qatar Airways, as the three nations accused the Qatari government of supporting extremists.

• READ: Qatar flight ban begins, first efforts seen to resolve crisis

The world's top 10 airlines are as follows:
1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. Cathay Pacific
6. EVA Air
7. Lufthansa
8. Etihad Airways
9. Hainan Airlines
10. Garuda Indonesia