The study also revealed an unusual three-way tie for third position between Cathay Pacific (CX), Qatar Airways (QR), and Emirates.
According to AirlineRatings.com, Air New Zealand (NZ) will be the world’s safest airline again in 2025, just edging out Qantas (QF).
This yearly safety ranking recognizes airlines with superior safety measures, rigorous pilot training, and contemporary fleets, allowing travelers to make more informed judgments.
The list highlights key events, including new entrants, rising stars, and unexpected absences, reflecting the ever-changing nature of aviation safety regulations around the world.
Top 20 Safest Full-Service Airlines in the World
Airlines are evaluated using a variety of criteria, including fleet age, pilot skill, safety protocols, fleet size, and the frequency of incidents.
Here are the top twenty safest full-service airlines in the world:
| Rank | Airline Name | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air New Zealand | NZ |
| 2 | Qantas | QF |
| 3 | Cathay Pacific | CX |
| 3 | Qatar Airways | QR |
| 3 | Emirates | EK |
| 6 | Virgin Australia | VA |
| 7 | Etihad Airways | EY |
| 8 | ANA | NH |
| 9 | EVA Air | BR |
| 10 | Korean Air | KE |
| 11 | Alaska Airlines | AS |
| 12 | Turkish Airlines (THY) | TK |
| 13 | TAP Portugal | TP |
| 14 | Hawaiian Airlines | HA |
| 15 | American Airlines | AA |
| 16 | SAS | SK |
| 17 | British Airways | BA |
| 18 | Iberia | IB |
| 19 | Finnair | AY |
| 20 | Lufthansa/Swiss | LH/LX |
| 20 | JAL | JL |
| 20 | Air Canada | AC |
The difference between Air New Zealand (NZ) and Qantas (QF) was only 1.50 points. While both airlines excel at safety and pilot training, Air New Zealand’s younger fleet has achieved the top spot.
The study also revealed an unusual three-way tie for third position between Cathay Pacific (CX), Qatar Airways (QR), and Emirates. These airlines had identical fleet ages, incident rates, and overall safety measures.
Notably, Iberia (IB) and Vietnam Airlines (VN) made their debuts on the list, while Korean Air (KE) moved up to the top ten. Singapore Airlines (SQ) and KLM (FR), despite retaining good safety ratings, were unable to advance due to specific occurrences that impacted their rankings.
Top 20 Safest Low-Cost Airlines in the World
| Rank | Airline Name | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong Express | UO |
| 2 | Jetstar Group | JQ |
| 3 | Ryanair | FR |
| 4 | easyJet | U2 |
| 5 | Frontier Airlines | F9 |
| 6 | AirAsia | AK |
| 7 | Wizz Air | W6 |
| 8 | VietJet Air | VJ |
| 9 | Southwest Airlines | WN |
| 10 | Volaris | Y4 |
| 11 | flydubai | FZ |
| 12 | Norwegian | DY |
| 13 | Vueling | VY |
| 14 | Jet2 | LS |
| 15 | Sun Country Airlines | SY |
| 16 | WestJet | WS |
| 17 | JetBlue Airways | B6 |
| 18 | Air Arabia | G9 |
| 19 | IndiGo | 6E |
| 20 | Eurowings | EW |
The 2025 list shows significant changes, with Hong Kong Express (UO) reaching to the top spot. The airline’s extraordinary safety record, which is devoid of major incidents, has contributed to its impressive reputation. This year also witnessed the addition of Zipair (ZG), Jet2 (LS), and Air Baltic (BT) as new airlines.
Spirit Airlines (NK) was noticeably absent after applying for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024, with the goal of reorganizing its business and reducing debt.
Insights into Airline Safety
According to a recent analysis, the global death risk per airplane boarding between 2018 and 2022 was about one in 13.7 million.
This data highlights the relative safety of flying in comparison to vehicle travel, which is expected to account for 1.19 million fatalities worldwide in 2023, according to the World Health Organization.
Despite these optimistic results, aviation events in December 2024 resulted in over 200 fatalities, emphasizing the necessity for further safety precautions.
Rankings such as this direct passengers to the safest travel options while encouraging airlines to maintain high standards.
As the aviation business evolves, it is vital to maintain strict safety regulations and modernize fleets.
The admission of new airlines and the rising of others are welcome developments, but the competitive nature of safety rankings leaves no space for complacency.
SOURCE
FAQ
What criteria are used to rank the safest airlines?
The safest airlines are ranked based on factors like safety records, fleet age, pilot training, adherence to international safety standards, and incident history.
Which airline ranked as the safest in 2025?
The top spot for the safest airline in 2025 is held by a carrier with an impeccable safety record, state-of-the-art fleet, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Visit the full list for details.
Do budget airlines make it to the safest airlines list?
Yes, some budget airlines with strong safety records and compliance with international standards are included in the top 20 safest airlines of 2025.
How often is the safest airlines ranking updated?
The rankings are updated annually based on the latest safety performance data and evaluations from aviation safety organizations.
What is the importance of fleet age in airline safety?
Fleet age matters because newer aircraft often come equipped with advanced safety technologies, but proper maintenance of older planes can also ensure high safety standards.
