Are you searching for the safest airlines in the world? Air travel is one of the safest ways to travel long distances. Still, many passengers want to know which airlines go above and beyond to ensure safety.
Aviation safety rankings evaluate carriers on several factors, such as incident records, fleet age, pilot training, and international audits, to determine which airlines perform best.
This article highlights the top 10 safest airlines in the world for 2025 based on the most recent global safety report by AirlineRatings.com, which assessed nearly 400 carriers worldwide.
What Makes an Airline Among the Safest in the World?
Before jumping into the rankings, it helps to understand how safety is assessed:
- Incident & crash history: Serious incidents over the past years are a key indicator.
- Fleet age and maintenance: Newer aircraft often have the latest safety technologies.
- Pilot training and skill: Airlines with rigorous training programs rank highly.
- Certifications and audits: International audits, including IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), strongly influence ratings.
Also read: World Top 10 Airlines with the Most Plane Crashes | Updated
Safety rankings also consider an airline’s profitability and regulatory compliance, as financial instability can undermine maintenance and operations.
Top 10 Safest Airlines in the World (2025)
Here are the top 10 safest airlines in the world for 2025, ranked according to the most recent AirlineRatings.com industry analysis.
1. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand tops the list as the safest airline in the world for 2025. It has a stellar safety record with no major serious incidents in the era of modern jets.
Its young fleet and commitment to global safety standards helped it edge out the competition.
Air New Zealand also operates in challenging environments, including mountainous terrain and variable weather. Yet robust training and solid operational systems keep incidents extremely low.
2. Qantas
Qantas is widely recognized as one of the safest airlines in the world. For decades, it has avoided fatal accidents during the jet era and maintained high safety audit ratings.
Although Qantas did not claim the top spot this year, it remains a leader in safety protocol, pilot training excellence, and operational reliability.
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3. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific shares third place among the safest airlines in the world. This airline from Hong Kong has earned consistent positive safety reviews and has avoided serious operational failures in recent years.
It achieves its ranking through a combination of proactive maintenance and rigorous crew training.
3. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways also holds a joint third place among the world’s safest airlines. The carrier operates a modern fleet with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.
Pilot skill and operational discipline are key reasons Qatar consistently ranks among the safest airlines in the world.
3. Emirates
With cutting-edge aircraft and robust safety protocols, Emirates shares third place with Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways. Emirates’ continual fleet modernization and global audit performance make it a standout.
Its focus on global standards over purely regional metrics helps it maintain a strong safety reputation.
Also read: Best Airlines from Lagos to London | Full Guide
6. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia comes in sixth among the safest airlines in the world — a leading figure in the Asia-Pacific region.
The airline’s safety record reflects steady incident prevention and strong crew training programs.
Virgin Australia’s ranking demonstrates that safety performance is not limited to legacy carriers alone.
7. Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates ranks seventh globally. Its safety culture emphasizes machinery readiness and pilot preparedness.
Rigorous international audits and consistent performance on safety thresholds ensure Etihad’s continued place among the safest airlines in the world.
8. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) places eighth in the global safety rankings.
ANA combines advanced aircraft systems with detailed maintenance schedules and strong regulatory compliance.
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Japan’s aviation standards overall are among the strictest worldwide, helping ANA maintain a strong position among the safest airlines in the world.
9. EVA Air
EVA Air, based in Taiwan, also ranks in the top 10. Known for its safety culture and low incident record, the airline performs well in independent safety assessments.
EVA Air’s systematic approach to fleet maintenance and crew training contributes to its strong position on this list of the safest airlines in the world.
10. Korean Air
Korean Air rounds out the top ten. Its safety statistics and ongoing investments in modern aircraft technology have helped secure its place among the leaders.
Korean Air’s pilot training protocols and global safety audits are among the reasons it ranks high among the safest airlines in the world.
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Beyond the Top 10: Other Safely Ranked Airlines
While this article focuses on the top 10 safest airlines in the world, several other carriers also demonstrate strong safety performance and deserve mention. These include:
- Alaska Airlines — a U.S. contender with a strong safety focus.
- Turkish Airlines — a leading European full-service carrier.
- TAP Portugal — noted for an exceptional European safety record.
- Hawaiian Airlines — performing well in U.S. and Pacific operations.
These carriers, while below the top ten, still meet high international standards and contribute to a growing global trend of safety excellence.
Safety and Modern Fleet Technology
One reason airlines can rank among the safest airlines in the world is their use of modern aircraft. Newer planes are equipped with advanced avionics, improved structural integrity, and next-generation safety features.
Carbon brakes, enhanced flight systems, and real-time engine monitoring systems help predictive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of mechanical issues.
Why Safety Rankings Matter
Safety evaluations help passengers make informed decisions. While all commercial airlines must meet minimum international standards, the safest airlines in the world go further:
- They maintain lower incident rates.
- They regularly undergo external audits.
- The airlines also invest in pilot training beyond regulatory requirements.
In a time when flying is more common than ever, these rankings give travellers confidence that their safety concerns are recognized and rigorously assessed.
Top Tips for Choosing a Safe Airline
When booking flights, you can consider these safety-related tips:
- Check independent safety rankings: Organizations like AirlineRatings.com publish annual lists based on data and audits.
- Review fleet age: Newer aircraft often perform better on safety criteria.
- Look up safety audit findings: Airlines certified by global audit programs usually score higher.
- Consider reliability history: Low incident counts over the past decade are a strong positive indicator.
Conclusion
Air travel continues to be exceptionally safe, with modern fleets, strict regulations, and highly trained crews around the world.
Yet within this context, certain carriers rise to the top as the safest airlines in the world, thanks to exceptional operational records and consistent safety investments.
For 2025, Air New Zealand, Qantas, and other top performers showcase the highest global standards of airline safety. Whether you’re planning long-haul travel or regional connections, flying with one of these top-ranked safety leaders adds confidence to your journey.
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