As air travel continues to evolve, safety remains at the forefront of passenger concerns. For 2025, AirlineRatings.com has unveiled its annual list of the world’s safest airlines, showcasing the carriers that consistently deliver excellence in safety standards, innovative measures, and operational reliability. This year’s list highlights not only the top full-service airlines but also the safest low-cost carriers, giving travelers peace of mind regardless of their budget.
Top 23 Safest Airlines for 2025
At the pinnacle of this year’s ranking is Air New Zealand, earning the top spot for its commitment to passenger safety, modern fleet, and exceptional operational practices. Close behind is Qantas, a perennial leader in aviation safety, followed by a tie for third place between Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, each renowned for their state-of-the-art safety protocols and passenger-centric services.
Other standouts include Virgin Australia in fourth place and Etihad Airways in fifth, with notable mentions like ANA, EVA Air, and Korean Air securing spots in the top 10. Major carriers from North America, such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines, also made the list, demonstrating the region’s continued focus on maintaining stringent safety measures.
Here’s the complete ranking of the safest airlines for 2025:
1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas
3. Cathay Pacific; Qatar Airways; Emirates (tie)
4. Virgin Australia
5. Etihad Airways
6. ANA
7. EVA Air
8. Korean Air
9. Alaska Airlines
10. Turkish Airlines (THY)
11. TAP Portugal
12. Hawaiian Airlines
13. American Airlines
14. SAS
15. British Airways
16. Iberia
17. Finnair
18. Lufthansa/Swiss
19. JAL
20. Air Canada
21. Delta Airlines
22. Vietnam Airlines
23. United Airlines
Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025
For budget-conscious travelers, the list of the top 25 safest low-cost airlines ensures that affordability doesn’t come at the expense of safety. Hong Kong Express claimed the top spot due to its outstanding safety record, young fleet averaging just seven years, and its association with industry leader Cathay Pacific.
Other leading low-cost carriers include the Jetstar Group in second place, Ryanair, easyJet, and Frontier Airlines rounding out the top five. Asia’s popular budget airline AirAsia came in sixth, while India’s IndiGo landed at 19th. New entries to this year’s rankings include Jet2, Zipair, and Air Baltic, reflecting the growing focus on safety in the low-cost sector.
The full ranking of the safest low-cost airlines for 2025:
1. Hong Kong Express
2. Jetstar Group
3. Ryanair
4. easyJet
5. Frontier Airlines
6. AirAsia
7. Wizz Air
8. VietJet Air
9. Southwest Airlines
10. Volaris
11. flydubai
12. Norwegian
13. Vueling
14. Jet2
15. Sun Country Airlines
16. WestJet
17. JetBlue Airways
18. Air Arabia
19. IndiGo
20. Eurowings
21. Allegiant Air
22. Cebu Pacific
23. Zipair
24. SKY Airline
25. Air Baltic
How Airlines Are Ranked
AirlineRatings.com evaluates carriers based on several comprehensive safety criteria:
• Fleet age: Newer fleets reduce maintenance risks and operational inefficiencies.
• Safety record: Historical performance, including incidents and the airline’s response, is crucial.
• Audits and certifications: Compliance with international safety standards and industry best practices is heavily weighted.
• Safety initiatives: Airlines implementing innovative safety programs, such as predictive maintenance and enhanced pilot training, score higher.
Factors outside an airline’s control, such as weather, bird strikes, or turbulence, are excluded from the evaluations.
New Features for Travelers
In a significant development, AirlineRatings.com has partnered with Skyscanner to launch a flight booking tool that lets users prioritize safety when searching for flights. This new platform empowers travelers to make more informed decisions by balancing safety, cost, and convenience.
Why This Matters
The annual list not only highlights airlines that excel in safety but also reassures passengers that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Whether flying full-service or low-cost, travelers can rest easy knowing these airlines are committed to their well-being.
With safety rankings as a guide, travelers can confidently plan their next journey in 2025, knowing they are flying with some of the best airlines in the world. Stay tuned for more travel news and insights!
The Uncommon Breed
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