What are the 20 safest airlines in the world for 2026?

Choosing an airline is not just about price or comfort. For many travelers, safety is the deciding factor. 

While flying remains the safest form of transport globally, understanding which airlines consistently lead in safety standards can give you extra peace of mind before you book.

Based on the most recent findings, this guide explains what is the safest airlines in the world, highlights the top 20 safest airlines in the world, and clarifies how these rankings are determined.

What are the safest airlines in the world?

The top 5 safest airlines are Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, based on the latest global safety rankings from AirlineRatings, adjusted for fleet age, incident rates per flight, pilot training, and international safety audits. In the table below, we break down the top 20 safest airlines in the world.

According to AirlineRatings, the difference between the first and the tenth airline is just 1.3 points, which means this ranking reflects operational consistency, not dramatic safety gaps.

Rounding up the list of 25 best airlines of AirlineRatings are Lufthansa (Europe), Air Canada (North America), Delta Air Lines (North America), American Airlines (North America), and Fiji Airways (Oceania/South Pacific). 

Top 10 safest airlines in the world

Let's break down what makes the top 10 airlines stand out from the rest in terms of safety. To ease your mind, we've also included each airline's delay/cancellation performance in the past year based on reported flights to SkyRefund. 

1. Etihad Airways

Etihad ranks as the safest airline in the world due to a combination of measurable safety performance and long-term operational discipline, not because of a single metric. Etihad Airways is the United Arab Emirates' national airline, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It is a full-service international carrier that flies to 110 destinations, with an operating fleet of 128 aircraft as of February 2026. 

Emirates airline has faced challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East since March 2026. As a result, the airline is currently operating fewer flights, which may lead to potential schedule changes and route uncertainties. However, it's important to note that these operational adjustments do not compromise the airline's commitment to safety and preparedness. Travelers can still expect a high level of safety standards while flying with Emirates.  

What makes it the safest airline?

• Lowest incident rate per flight
• Crash-free history in commercial operations
• Excellent adherence to IATA Turbulence Aware standards and equivalent programmes

 Etihad Airways operates a modern long-haul fleet and has built a strong reputation for innovation, safety, and operational discipline. Etihad Global claims that its fleet is still in its infancy. According to Etihad's 2026 traffic update, its average fleet age is 8.3 years, and fleet data sources place it in a similar range. This is typically advantageous because newer aircraft typically have more advanced systems and require less maintenance.

Etihad Airways’ performance in 2026

Despite experiencing several disruptions in the past year, Etihad Airways scores high on SkyRefund's performance data. The Gulf airline has a high response rate — around 50% of cases result in quick resolutions, efficient communication and care provided to the passengers in cases of delay and cancellation. 

Etihad became the first Gulf airline to top the global safety ranking, supported by a young fleet, flawless international audit results, and a crash-free commercial history. In addition, the airline's fleet expanded significantly in 2025. Etihad Airways announced that its operating fleet had grown to 127 aircraft, the largest in its history, after adding 29 more this year.

2. Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong's flag carrier and a full-service international airline based at Hong Kong International Airport. It is part of the Cathay Pacific Group. Cathay Pacific consistently ranks as one of the world's safest airlines, thanks to a deeply embedded safety-first culture and decades of operational consistency. AirlineRatings ranked it as the second safest full-service airline in the world for 2026. This ranking considers factors such as incident rates adjusted for flight volume, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training, international safety audits, and turbulence-prevention practices.

What makes it the second-safest airline?

• Very low incident rate per flight
• Strong record in international safety audits, including the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assessments
• Extensive pilot training programmes, especially for long-haul and weather-related flight delays

Is Cathay Pacific a good airline?

Ranked second worldwide based on performance in 2026 Cathay Pacific maintained an exceptionally low incident rate across a high volume of international flights. While in terms of resolution rate, there is something to be desired, SkyRefund's experts have noticed an upward trend in the last few months. Additionally, Cathay reported that it won awards for business class and airline-branded lounges and placed second in the World's Best Full-Service Airlines category.

3. Qantas

Qantas Airways is Australia's flag carrier and one of the world's oldest continuously operating airlines. It is based in Australia. Qantas has long been regarded as a global benchmark for airline safety, and its position in the top 3 reflects decades of disciplined operational standards rather than short-term performance.

What makes it the third-safest airline?For current third-party rankings, AirlineRatings placed Qantas 3rd among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026. That ranking considers factors such as serious incidents, fleet age, pilot training, incident rate relative to flights, and international safety audits. Here are some of the reasons:

• An exceptionally strong long-term safety record, particularly in the jet era
• Robust risk management systems for long-haul and remote-area operations
• Consistently strong results in international safety audits, including IOSA

Qantas’ Performance in 2026

Qantas remains among the best and safest airlines in the world, with minimal score differences separating the top ranks. Cirium’s latest data from July 2026 review placed Qantas in the top 10 globally on-time rankings with 79.76% on-time arrivals, which is broadly consistent with the Australian government data.

Based on SkyRefund reported flights, Qantas has the best performance in the past year with every 1 in 2 cases reaching a quick resolution, providing consistent care to passengers and implementing internal policies to help flyers in case of disruptions. 

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is Qatar's national airline, headquartered in Doha, and one of the world's leading full-service carriers, operating a global network of over 160 destinations with a modern long-haul fleet. The airline is ranked fourth among the world's safest full-service airlines for 2026, owing to its strong safety record, IOSA compliance, and high operating standards. Qatar Airways consistently ranks among the best and safest airlines in the world due to its focus on modern aircraft and operational consistency.

What makes it a safe airline?

• Technologically advanced Airbus fleet
• Modern fleet and advanced onboard safety technology
• Consistently strong audit results

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East from March 2026 has resulted in temporary airspace closures and schedule disruptions for Qatar Airways. However, these issues primarily affect routing and flight schedules and do not indicate a decrease in the airline's overall safety standards.

Qatar Airways’ Performance in 2026

The airline ranks as SkyRefund's best airline in the world for 2025. It is recognisable for its reliability, exceptional passenger experience, value for money and an impressive 44% success in complaint resolution holding steady throughout 2026.  

In 2025, Qatar Airways was joint third in the global safety rankings, tied with Cathay Pacific and Emirates due to identical scoring across multiple safety criteria. The most recent data from Cirium shows that Qatar Airways continues to operate nearly 17,000 flights in October with an outstanding 87.47% on-time arrival rate. With a 99.89% on-time rate, the airline ranks fifth globally and demonstrates outstanding operational reliability throughout its network.

5. Emirates

Emirates is the flag carrier of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and one of the world’s largest long-haul airlines. Many travelers wonder, “Is Emirates the safest airline in the world?”. While not first, Emirates remains in the top tier of global airline safety. Emirates ranked fifth among the world's safest full-service airlines for 2026, according to AirlineRatings' global rankings. That ranking takes into account serious incidents, fleet age, audits, training, and operational safety performance, which is why Emirates is widely regarded as one of the world's safest major airlines.

What makes it a safe airline?

• Strong engineering and maintenance programmes
• High levels of operational standardisation

The current Middle East from March 2026 conflict has affected Emirates’ operations, but not in a way that suggests the airline itself has become unsafe. Emirates states on its official travel updates page that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority and will not be compromised. It also advises travelers to keep checking flight status and operational updates before going to the airport.

Emirates’ Performance in 2026

With one of the largest worldwide networks, Emirates is renowned for its opulent service and roomy cabins. Emirates provides an exceptional experience in every cabin class, whether it's through the award-winning in-flight entertainment, regionally inspired dining, or the A380 onboard lounge.

The airline has а 80.76% on-time arrival rate, which guarantees efficient operations and efficient disruption management with around 1 in 10 reported flights to SkyRefund receiving a swift resolution. Although Emirates is not a member of a major alliance, its 28 strategic partnerships form a global network that is competitive with the largest airline groups.

6. Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is New Zealand’s flag carrier, operating long-haul routes across the Pacific, Asia, and North America. It is widely seen as a strong full-service airline and ranked 6th among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026 in AirlineRatings’ safety ranking. The airline is seen as safe because of its high safety ranking, audited safety systems, regulator-accepted safety management, and long-standing operational discipline

What makes it a safe airline?

• A very young fleet (2-3 years per plane)
• Advanced training for extreme weather and turbulence
• Strong safety culture supported by transparent reporting

Air New Zealand’s Performance in 2026

 Air New Zealand performed exceptionally well in Cirium's July 2026 report. According to Air New Zealand, the airline finished 9th in the Asia-Pacific region with 83.52% on-time arrivals across more than 13,000 flights. This is a significant result because it indicates that the airline was one of the best-performing major carriers in the region in terms of punctuality, but their resolution rate has something to be desired. 

7. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore and a leading full-service airline. Singapore Airlines remained widely regarded as a safe airline in 2026, although it was not included in AirlineRatings’ 2026 safest airlines list. AirlineRatings noted that the carrier still retained its seven-star safety rating and remained exceptionally safe despite narrowly missing the ranking. It combines a modern fleet, formal safety management, and strong industry oversight.

What makes it a safe airline?

• Extremely rigorous pilot and cabin crew training
• Strong focus on procedural discipline
• Reinforced turbulence management protocols following recent industry incidents

Singapore Airlines’ Performance in 2026

Singapore Airlines did not appear in the 2025 top 25 due to a turbulence-related incident, but returned after comprehensive reviews and safety enhancements. 

Singapore Airlines ensures smooth and efficient operations with an 85.32% on-time arrival rate placing it 2nd worldwide based on Cirium's July 2026 report and a successful complaint resolution rate of more than 30% based on reported flight disruptions to SkyRefund. Its hub, Singapore Changi Airport, is frequently ranked as the best in the world, allowing for seamless global connections.

Beyond service, the airline is a sustainability pioneer, having implemented sustainable aviation fuel on regular commercial routes and committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

8. EVA Air

EVA Air is Taiwan's second-largest airline, with a modern long-haul fleet. EVA Air is regarded as a safe airline because it combines a long-standing safety record with modern fleet management and industry oversight. EVA Air was ranked 8th among the world's safest full-service airlines by AirlineRatings in 2026, marking the airline's 12th consecutive year on the list. Another reason is its relatively young fleet and structured safety management. EVA Air’s 2024 sustainability reporting listed its average fleet age at 8.74 years, which supports reliability and maintenance efficiency.

What makes it a safe airline?

• A clean long-term accident record
• Strong adherence to international safety audits
• Conservative operational decision-making

EVA Air’s Performance in 2026

 In 2026, EVA Air maintained its top-tier status, ranking 8th among the world's safest airlines and securing a 5-Star Airline Certification from Skytrax for the tenth consecutive year. Known for high operational quality, the carrier was named the World's Cleanest Airline and recorded high load factors, particularly in North America. In terms of successful claim resolutions, every 1 in 3 cases resulted in swift and positive outcomes. 

9. Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is one of Australia's leading full-service airlines, specializing in domestic and short-haul international routes. In 2025, AirlineRatings ranked it fourth among the world's safest full-service airlines, owing to its strong safety reputation, IOSA-audited operations, and formal Safety Management Systems.

What makes it a safe airline?

• Young fleet, regarding Airbus (3 years per plane)
• Strong domestic safety performance at high flight frequency
• Excellent compliance with safety audits

Virgin Australia’s Performance in 2026

For performance, Virgin Australia was one of the stronger airlines in Cirium’s 2025 On-Time Performance Review for Asia-Pacific, finishing 7th in the region with 77.60% on-time arrivals, 78.47% on-time departures, and a 98.96% completion factor across 207,741 flights. However, the airline hasn't made the cut in July 2026's report showing a downward trend. Similarly, Virgin Australia has one of the lowest rates of successful resolutions in the past year. 

10. Korean Air

Korean Air is South Korea's flag carrier, operating a global network with a cutting-edge long-haul fleet. Korean Air ranked 8th among the world's safest full-service airlines in AirlineRatings' 2025 safety ranking, owing to its strong safety standards, fleet profile, IOSA certification, and operational discipline.

What makes it a safe airline?

• Major investments in pilot training and CRM
• A modernised long-haul fleet
• Strong results in international audits

Korean Air’s Performance in 2025

According to Cirium's 2025 on-time performance data, Korean Air ranked 10th in Asia-Pacific with 75.34% on-time arrivals, and even improved their on-time arrivals to 83.69% in July this year. That means Korean Air remained one of the region's top ten performers in terms of punctuality and completion in 2026 with a good success rate across submitted claims. 

What are the safest low-cost airlines in the world?

According to AirlineRatings, the world's safest low-cost airlines for 2026 are HK Express, Jetstar, Scoot, flyDubai, Ryanair, easyJet, Frontier, AirAsia, Wizz Air, and VietJet Air. HK Express ranked first, followed by Jetstar and Scoot.

Safety rankings show that budget airlines operate at the same regulatory safety level as full-service carriers.

What is SkyRefund's Ranking Based On?

The safest airline in the world ranking is built on multiple objective criteria.  AirlineRatings evaluates more than 320 airlines globally using a multi-layered methodology that includes:

• Incident rates per flight, adjusted for the airline’s total number of operations
• Fleet age and size, as newer aircraft generally reduce technical risk
• Serious incidents and fatalities over the last 10 years
• Pilot skill and training standards, including simulator frequency
• International safety audits, such as IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), ICAO country safety audits, EU airline bans or FAA safety ratings
• Turbulence prevention and management, now given greater weight due to its role as the leading cause of in-flight injuries
• Operational transparency, including how airlines report and manage incidents

Additionally, we've grounded the data in SkyRefund internal reports from the past 16 months and the latest data from Cirium. 

How Can SkyRefund Help If Your Flight Is Disrupted?

Even when you fly with the safest airlines in the world, disruptions still happen. That’s where SkyRefund steps in.

If Your Flight Was Delayed

If your flight arrived more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), for example, provided the disruption was within the airline’s control.

If Your Flight Was Cancelled

A cancelled flight can entitle you to compensation of up to €600, depending on distance and notice period.

If You Were Denied Boarding or Overbooked

Overbooking remains common, even among top-ranked airlines. If you were denied boarding against your will, you may have the right to overbooked flight compensation. At the end, Safety rankings can offer reassurance, but when travel goes wrong, knowing your rights matters more.

SkyRefund handles airline communication and legal steps on a no win, no fee basis. Just submit your claim for compensation!

FAQs 

What is the safest airline in the world?

Etihad Airways is currently ranked as the safest airline in the world, according to the latest AirlineRatings global safety assessment.

Which airline has the most crashes?

There is no single “most dangerous airline” today, but American Airlines and Air France have historically been listed as the airlines with the most recorded crashes, according to various sources. That does not mean that they are unsafe today. Many of the accidents occurred decades ago, when global aviation safety standards were much lower.

Instead of total historical crashes, what matters now is an airline's most recent safety record, pilot training, operational procedures, regulatory audits, and incident rate per flight. That is why modern safety rankings prioritize current performance, with airlines such as Etihad, Qatar, Qantas, and Air New Zealand ranking among the safest today.

What is the safest low-cost airline in the world?

Based on the most recent AirlineRatings rankings, HK Express is currently ranked as the safest low-cost airline in the world. A mention to Wizz Air and Ryanair as well, with solid performances.

Is Emirates the safest airline in the world?

Emirates is among the top safest airlines in the world; it's ranked in the fifth position. Etihad currently holds the position of number one.

What is the safest airline in the US in 2026?

According to AirlineRatings' 2026 safety rankings, Alaska Airlines was the safest airline in the United States, ranking first among American full-service carriers.

Is Qantas the safest airline in the world?

Qantas has frequently ranked first in past years and remains one of the safest airlines globally, though it is not the current leader.

Is Finnair the safest airline in the world?

Finnair maintains a strong safety record but does not appear in the current Top 10 global ranking.

Is Ryanair the safest airline in the world?

Ryanair is considered one of the safest low-cost airlines, but it does not top the global full-service ranking.

Is Philippine Airlines safe? 

Yes, Philippine Airlines is considered a safe airline. Despite not ranking in the top 20, it ranks as one of the safest airlines in the Philippines. 

Are the safest airlines less likely to have delays or cancellations?

Not necessarily. Even the safest airlines can experience flight delays, flight cancellations, and denied boarding due to overbooking.

Related articles:

The Most Punctual Airlines in The World Revealed

The worst airports in the world: Delays, cancellations and denied boarding

The best airlines in the United States ranked

Reviewed by Tsvetelina Gorova, Operations Team Lead at SkyRefund

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026