The world’s safest airlines have been revealed, with UAE and Qatar carriers securing spots in the top 10. This recognition highlights their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and passenger security, further solidifying their reputation in global aviation. These rankings showcase the region’s leadership in setting high standards for airline safety and service, reflecting their dedication to providing reliable travel experiences.
The latest rankings of the world’s safest airlines for 2025 have been revealed, and three major carriers from the UAE and Qatar have secured prominent positions in the top 10. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have once again demonstrated their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and passenger security, solidifying their status as leaders in global aviation.
The rankings were published by AirlineRatings.com, a trusted aviation industry website that monitors 385 airlines worldwide. The organization released its annual list of the Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines and Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines, providing a comprehensive assessment of the carriers with the best safety records.
Topping the list for 2025 is Air New Zealand, which edged out Qantas for the number one spot. AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen explained, “It was extremely close again between Air New Zealand and Qantas for first place, with only 1.5 points separating the two airlines. Both airlines uphold the highest safety standards and pilot training, but Air New Zealand’s younger fleet gives it the edge over Qantas.”
Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways secured a joint third-place ranking, sharing the spot with Cathay Pacific. According to Petersen, “The three-way tie for third place was because we simply could not separate these airlines. From fleet age to pilot skill, safety practices, fleet size, and number of incidents, their scores were identical.”
The top 25 full-service airlines in the safety rankings for 2025 include a mix of global heavyweights. Below is the complete list:
AirlineRatings.com employs a set of bespoke metrics to evaluate the safety of airlines worldwide. These criteria are designed to provide a comprehensive and balanced assessment, taking into account factors such as:
The rankings also involve consultations with check pilots and aviation experts to ensure a robust and informed evaluation process. The organization emphasizes the importance of context when analyzing these factors. For instance, an airline with a smaller fleet experiencing a few incidents could be deemed riskier compared to a larger airline with a similar number of incidents.
The recognition of Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways in the top 10 highlights the Middle East’s growing influence in global aviation. These carriers are renowned not only for their safety records but also for their cutting-edge fleets, high standards of pilot training, and customer service excellence.
Their inclusion in the top rankings demonstrates their dedication to maintaining rigorous safety protocols and adopting the latest technologies to enhance passenger safety. The joint third-place ranking for Emirates and Qatar Airways underscores their competitive parity, while Etihad’s position at seventh showcases its consistent commitment to safety and innovation.
Air New Zealand’s rise to the top of the safety rankings reflects its unwavering commitment to maintaining a modern fleet and prioritizing passenger safety. The airline’s younger fleet, coupled with its robust safety practices and pilot training programs, has given it an edge over other leading carriers.
Qantas, which has frequently topped these rankings in the past, continues to be a global benchmark for safety. Despite being edged out this year, the Australian carrier remains a leader in aviation safety and innovation.
The safety rankings provide valuable insights into the performance of airlines worldwide and offer passengers a reliable guide for choosing safe carriers. The strong performance of Middle Eastern airlines underscores the region’s strategic investments in aviation infrastructure and its focus on delivering world-class safety standards.
Meanwhile, the presence of airlines from Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania in the top 25 reflects the global nature of the industry and the widespread commitment to passenger safety. Airlines like Cathay Pacific, ANA, and Korean Air represent Asia’s robust safety practices, while carriers like Lufthansa, Finnair, and British Airways showcase Europe’s contributions to aviation excellence.
The inclusion of Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways among the world’s safest airlines reaffirms their leadership in global aviation. These rankings not only celebrate their commitment to safety but also highlight the rigorous evaluation process behind AirlineRatings.com’s assessments.
As airlines continue to innovate and enhance their safety measures, these rankings serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards across the aviation industry. Passengers can rest assured that the airlines recognized in this list are among the best in the world for ensuring safe and reliable travel.
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com