What are the 10 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 from AirlineRatings, this guide explains what is the safest airlines in the world, highlights the top 10 safest airlines in the world, and clarifies how these rankings are determined.

Top 10 Safest Airlines in the World

Below is the Top 10 safest airlines in the world, based on the latest global safety rankings from AirlineRatings, adjusted for fleet age, incident rates per flight, pilot training, and international safety audits.

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.

#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.

Why it stands out?

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

About Etihad

Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways operates a modern long-haul fleet and has built a strong reputation for innovation, safety, and operational discipline.

Etihad Airways’ performance in 2025

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.

#2 Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific consistently ranks among the safest airlines in the world thanks to a deeply embedded safety-first culture and decades of operational consistency.

Why it stands out?

• 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

About Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong–based Cathay Pacific is a global full-service carrier known for strict safety oversight and continuous pilot training.

Cathay Pacific’ performance in 2025

Ranked second worldwide, Cathay Pacific maintained an exceptionally low incident rate across a high volume of international flights.

#3 Qantas

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.

Why it stands out?

• 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

About Qantas

Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier and one of the world’s oldest continuously operating airlines. 

Qantas’ Performance in 2025

Although narrowly overtaken for first place, Qantas remains among the best and safest airlines in the world, with minimal score differences separating the top ranks.

#4 Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways consistently ranks among the best and safest airlines in the world due to its focus on modern aircraft and operational consistency.

Why it stands out?

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

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of Qatar, operating from Doha with a global long-haul network spanning six continents.

Qatar Airways’ Performance in 2025

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.

#5 Emirates

Many passengers ask, “Is Emirates the safest airline in the world?” While it does not rank first, Emirates remains firmly in the top tier of global airline safety.

Why it stands out?

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

About Emirates

Emirates is Dubai’s flagship carrier and one of the world’s largest long-haul airlines, operating an all-wide-body fleet.

Emirates’ Performance in 2025

In 2025, Emirates ranked joint third, reflecting near-identical safety scores with other leading global carriers.

#6 Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has been a frequent winner of global safety rankings and remains one of the most consistently high-performing airlines.

Why it stands out?

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

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is New Zealand’s flag carrier, operating long-haul routes across the Pacific, Asia, and North America.

Air New Zealand’s Performance in 2025

Air New Zealand ranked number one in 2025, edging out Qantas by a narrow margin due primarily to fleet age advantages.

#7 Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is recognised as one of the safest airlines in the world because of its operational precision, rigorous crew training, and consistently high safety standards.

Why it stands out?

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

About Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is Singapore’s flag carrier and a global leader in long-haul operations.

Singapore Airlines’ Performance in 2025

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

#8 EVA Air

EVA Air is considered one of the safest airlines in the world thanks to its consistent operations, strong safety culture, and disciplined flight procedures.

Why it stands out?

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

About EVA Air

EVA Air is Taiwan’s second-largest airline, operating a modern long-haul fleet.

EVA Air’s Performance in 2025

In 2025, EVA Air ranked comfortably within the top 10, maintaining stable scores across all safety categories.

#9 Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia is regarded as a safe airline, combining a modern fleet with disciplined operational oversight and robust safety management systems.

Why it stands out?

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

About Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia operates primarily within Australia, with selected international routes.

Virgin Australia’s Performance in 2025

Virgin Australia ranked within the top 10 in 2025, although slightly higher than in the most recent ranking.

#10 Korean Air

Korean Air’s position reflects a long-term transformation in safety culture.

Why it stands out?

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

About Korean Air

Korean Air is South Korea’s flag carrier, operating one of Asia’s largest international networks.

Korean Air’s Performance in 2025

Korean Air ranked within the top 10 in 2025, continuing a multi-year trend of steady improvement.

What Are the Safest Low-Cost Airlines in the World?

Low-cost does not mean unsafe. According to AirlineRatings, the safest budget airlines in the world include:

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

What’s Our 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

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 negotiations 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.

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 number one.

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.

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.