Regardless of recurring delays, baggage missing and the lingering chaos that surrounded the opening of London Heathrow's Terminal 5 for public use, British Airways (BA) has been awarded with the recognition of Europe's 'best' airline, at the 'Business Traveller Middle East Awards'.

The event-taking place on an annual basis-held in Dubai and attended by around 400 guests: all of those who were present at the event are leading players in the international travel market.

However, the selection of British Airways as the prestigious award of the 'best European airline' was put together by the Business Traveller magazine readers.

The readers of the Business Traveller magazine also voted in a number of other categories, including best hotels, favourite airport, car rental firms and golf courses.

The 'best European airline' award is not new to the UK's flag carrier: it is the seventh time that BA has been placed at the top by the readers of Business Traveller magazine.

British Airways' manager in the Middle East, Paul Starrs called the accolade as a 'great tribute' and said that what appears to be the most valuable for customers is the affordability of the company's 'premium products and services'.

Starrs also said that the company is planning to make more improvements, including a £100 million investment to set up new 'Club World' cabins on Boeing 777 flying machines.

At present, British Airways offers regular service from London to destinations in Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, as well as to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.