Air Travel Safety: The World’s Best Airlines Reviewed

Air New Zealand has been named the safest full-service airline in the world for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com, retaining its top spot for the second consecutive year. The airline narrowly edged out Australia’s Qantas, which secured second place, with only 1.50 points separating the two carriers.

The rankings are based on comprehensive safety metrics, including fleet age, incident rates, pilot training, and profitability. Air New Zealand’s younger fleet gave it the competitive edge over Qantas, according to AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen. Petersen emphasized that factors like fleet maintenance and pilot skill are critical in determining rankings.

AirlineRatings, a trusted site for airline safety and reviews, has unveiled its ranking for the world’s safest airlines to fly in 2025. Using a proprietary seven-star rating system, the site evaluated carriers based on a broad range of safety factors—from recent incidents and audits to fleet size, age, profitability, and other key metrics.

Among U.S. airlines, Alaska Airlines ranked highest at No. 9, followed by Hawaiian Airlines at No. 12, American Airlines at No. 13, Delta Airlines at No. 21, and United Airlines at No. 23.

The full list of the safest airlines highlights global leaders in aviation safety, with notable appearances by airlines such as ANA, EVA Air, and Lufthansa.

Below is an overview of the top 10 safest airlines for 2025, along with insights into notable safety records and emerging trends.

1. Air New Zealand
Reclaiming its top spot for the third time in recent years, Air New Zealand continues to lead in safety. With a fleet of 112 aircraft that ranges from regional ATR 72s to long-haul Boeing 777-300ERs and an average fleet age of just over 10 years, this Kiwi carrier has maintained an outstanding safety record. Despite operating from challenging environments like Queenstown, where mountainous terrain poses operational hurdles, Air New Zealand has avoided any serious incidents in the modern jet era. Its historical safety record only includes a handful of incidents, with its most severe accident – the 1979 Mount Erebus disaster – occurring before the modern safety standards were in place.

2. Qantas
Celebrated as one of the safest airlines globally, Qantas just edged out its neighbor by a narrow margin. Though its early history included several pre-jet era accidents, Qantas has not experienced any fatal jet accidents in decades. With over 102 years of service, its modern operations continue to prioritize safety and reliability, making it a top choice for passengers worldwide.

3. Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates (Tied)
A three-way tie occupies the bronze medal position among the safest airlines. These carriers—Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates—share similar safety metrics. Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, operates a modern fleet with a spotless record since 1972 despite minor incidents. Qatar Airways, known for its luxury and high service standards, has maintained an excellent safety record with no fatalities over its 30-year operational history, despite having experienced two hull losses. Emirates, famous for its large fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, has climbed to its highest safety ranking ever in 2025, with only one fatal incident recorded among numerous safe flights.

6. Virgin Australia
Starting as Virgin Blue in 2000, Virgin Australia has grown into a major carrier with nearly 100 aircraft and an impeccable safety record that includes no fatal accidents. The airline’s safety credentials have been strengthened through strategic partnerships, such as an equity stake by Qatar Airways, further enhancing its operational safety and service network.

7. Etihad
Etihad, based in the UAE and the second-largest carrier in the region, boasts a near-flawless safety record over its 21 years of operation. With a modern fleet serving 86 destinations, Etihad consistently adheres to rigorous safety standards, making it one of the top-rated airlines on this list.

8. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Japan’s flagship carrier ANA, with over 220 aircraft and a history spanning more than 70 years, enjoys a five-star rating from Skytrax. Although it has experienced incidents in the distant past, its modern operations record no serious accidents, underscoring its commitment to operational excellence and passenger safety.

9. EVA Air
Taiwan’s EVA Air operates a relatively young fleet with an average age of 8.9 years. The carrier has built a strong reputation for safety by preparing for fleet renewals and maintaining an accident-free record in passenger operations, further reinforcing its reputation among the safest airlines.

10. Korean Air
Once notorious for a poor safety record, Korean Air has transformed its operations and is now among the world’s safest airlines. After significant improvements in safety protocols and a fleet modernization program, the airline has earned a five-star safety rating from Skytrax despite challenging historical incidents.

Notable Inclusions and Trends
AirlineRatings expanded its analysis beyond the top 10 to rank airlines up to the 25th position. New entrants such as Iberia and Vietnam Airlines have impressed with their strong safety records and modern fleets. While established carriers like Singapore Airlines and KLM experienced minor setbacks in 2024, their overall commitment to safety remains high. Japan Airlines, for example, handled a severe runway incident with exemplary passenger evacuation, maintaining its solid ranking.

The results for 2025 highlight the importance of modern fleets, rigorous pilot training, and continuous safety improvements. With comprehensive data sourced from industry audits, incident records, and operational performance, AirlineRatings’ seven-star system offers passengers a reliable guide in choosing safe airlines. Whether flying for business or leisure, these top 10 carriers set the benchmark for safety in the global aviation industry.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business, airguide.info, bing.com, airlineratings.com