In the midst of recent headlines about aviation safety failings and a concerning increase in close calls, it's easy to forget that commercial plane travel has never been safer. When organizing a vacation, there are a lot of things to consider, but the last thing any traveler wants to worry about is the safety of the aircraft they are boarding.
To relieve concerned fliers everywhere, aviation website Airline Ratings presents an annual assessment of the world's safest airlines. Based on a variety of criteria, including as safety audits, operating history, incident reports, and regulatory audits, the website rates over 435 airlines. We have selected the top 12 safest airlines for you, along with the reasons behind their rankings.
Air New Zealand
Securing the top position, Air New Zealand establishes a new standard for operational excellence and aviation safety. With its headquarters in Auckland, this flag carrier of New Zealand offers scheduled passenger flights to 20 domestic and 30 foreign locations throughout 18 countries, mostly throughout the Pacific Rim. The airline focuses on cutting-edge technology, operates in harsh weather conditions, and has a contemporary fleet.
Qantas
Australia's flag carrier, Qantas Airways Limited, is the biggest airline in terms of fleet size, international flights, and foreign destinations within Oceania and Australia. Qantas, which was established in November 1920, is the third-oldest airline in the world to still be in operation. Qantas is dedicated to safety and comes in second. AirlineRatings.com has repeatedly rated it as the safest airline in the world, including for 2023. Because of its fleeting age, it fell a little, but it is still a serious competitor. Qantas has a track record of operational and safety innovation. The airline has a reputation for operating with excellence and has had a history of few incidents.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia, formally known as Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd, is an airline established in Australia and one of the two operating Virgin brands (the other being Virgin Atlantic). With just two aircraft operating a single route, it started operations as Virgin Blue on August 31, 2000. It has developed throughout time to become the second-biggest airline in Australia, flying to both local and foreign locations. Virgin Australia has a seven-star rating on AirlineRatings.com and a solid safety record.
Etihad Airways
Etihad, the official airline of the United Arab Emirates, focuses on providing a customized travel experience for its guests by operating flights to more than 120 locations worldwide. As of January 2024, Etihad Airways operated a fleet of 85 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, providing passenger and cargo services to more than 120 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Etihad Airways has put in place a number of safety precautions to guarantee the security of both passengers and employees. Furthermore, Etihad has successfully passed its tenth consecutive IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) with no findings and nothing observed.
Emirates
The largest airline in the Middle East, Emirates Airlines is one of the two flag airlines of the United Arab Emirates and is based at Dubai International Airport (DXB). With flights to over 165 locations across 70 countries and a fleet that is both contemporary and efficient, the airline is well-known for its wide network. It continuously complies with the strict safety requirements established by the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit, earning it IOSA Certification. The airline upholds strict control to guarantee safety and has never been placed on a blacklist.
All Nippon Airways
With its main office located in Minato, Tokyo, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the biggest airline in Japan. It serves over 50 domestic locations in Japan and 32 foreign destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America. It runs both local and international flights. The airline has a long history that dates back to its founding and is renowned for its dedication to providing top-notch service. According on its 2023 performance, the airline is 85.2% on time. ANA has experienced one significant accident in the past ten years, but no deaths.
Finnair
With its main office in Vantaa, Finnair is the largest full-service legacy airline in Finland and serves as its flag carrier. The airline controls both local and international air traffic in Finland. Finnair offers international service to around 80 locations in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. As a member of the One World Alliance, it is among the oldest airlines in the world to still be in continuous operation, having been founded in 1923. Since the development of contemporary passenger aircraft, Finnair is known to have never reported a death. The airline has only had a few significant mishaps and has not reported any hull losses since 1989.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, also known as Cathay Pacific, is the largest airline in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific provides regular passenger and freight flights to 162 locations throughout 42 nations and territories. With an emphasis on sustainable operations to guarantee that future generations may enjoy well-traveled lifestyles, the airline is dedicated to bringing people together with meaningful experiences and locations. There has never been a hull loss for Cathay Pacific since it started operating in 1946. The airline has only had twelve major mishaps in its 75-year history.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines, sometimes known as SQ or SIA, is the national airline of Singapore and is widely recognized for its exceptional service and flawless operations. It was established in 1947 and travels to around 65 destinations in 35 countries on five continents out of its hub at Singapore Changi Airport. As a Star Alliance member, Singapore Airlines is renowned for having one of the youngest fleets worldwide. Singapore Airlines has a solid safety reputation across the world because to its extensive set of safety and care standards procedures.
Lufthansa
Germany's national airline, Lufthansa, is among the biggest in Europe. It runs international flights to Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, and Africa in addition to a vast network of services inside Germany and Europe. The goal of Lufthansa's customer care policies and operational processes is to provide a safe travel experience for every passenger. This demonstrates the airline's dedication to safety.
EVA Air
The second-biggest airline in Taiwan, EVA Air is based in Taoyuan City. Operating out of Taoyuan International Airport, which is close to Taipei, it serves over 70 destinations throughout Taiwan as well as other parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Modern fleets and high-quality services, including cutting-edge in-flight entertainment systems, are hallmarks of EVA Air's reputation. The airline is well-known for its safety protocols, accreditations, and favorable passenger feedback. EVA Air's operating standards and ongoing efforts to uphold and enhance its safety regulations demonstrate the company's dedication to safety.
Qatar Airways
The national airline of Qatar, Qatar Airways, is renowned for providing first-rate service and having a wide worldwide network. Flying to more than 170 worldwide destinations on five continents, it operates out of Hamad worldwide Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways has a five-star rating from Skytrax, the same organization that has named it the greatest airline in the world several times. It has won awards for its website and customer support, and it is well-known for leading the industry in innovation and digital adoption. Since it started operating in 1994, there have been no tragic incidents. Only two aircraft losses have occurred for the airline; both were caused by hangar fires that broke out during maintenance rather than in-flight mishaps.