Rating North Korea's Air Koryo North Korea's flag carrier Air Koryo was for years listed by Skytrax as the world's only 1 star airline.

As of 2026, a "1-Star Airline" is a rare and severe rating from Skytrax, indicating a carrier with extremely poor standards of product and staff service across both cabin and airport environments. Historically, North Korea's Air Koryo has been the most famous recipient of this rating, primarily due to aging aircraft, lack of safety transparency, and subpar in-flight amenities. While most modern airlines strive for at least a 3-star rating, a 1-star designation often signals a "fail" in consistent quality, safety protocols, or customer care. It is important to note that many airlines in 2026 have moved toward "unbundled" models that might feel like 1-star service, but they maintain higher official ratings due to modern fleets and safety compliance. Travelers are generally advised to avoid 1-star carriers unless no other option exists, as the rating typically reflects deep systemic issues within the airline's operational and service culture.