Top 10 safest airlines in the world; check safety rankings of Etihad, Emirates and American Airlines

In an era where global travel is soaring to new heights, passenger safety remains the most important factor for eager flyers. A new 2026 safety report from AirlineRatings.com, featured by Forbes, has just ranked the world’s safest airlines – combining decades of data, audit scores, fleet quality, and operational safety to help travelers choose with peace of mind.

With over 320 airlines assessed worldwide, this year’s list highlights extraordinary safety standards across both full-service and low-cost carriers. What’s especially comforting is how tight the safety margins are – meaning many airlines now operate at exceptionally high levels of safety.

What Makes an Airline “Safe”?

Before diving into the rankings, it’s worth noting how safety is measured. The 2026 report evaluates airlines on multiple criteria:

• Flight incident and accident history
• Fleet age and maintenance quality
• Pilot training and crew proficiency
• Independent safety audits
• Participation in turbulence risk programs

These aren’t just numbers – they reflect rigorous behind-the-scenes practices that keep passengers secure from boarding to touchdown.
Airline Ratings

Top 10 Safest Airlines in the World (2026)

Here are the top 10 carriers recognized for outstanding safety in 2026 across both full-service and budget categories:

Etihad Airways – World’s safest airline, praised for crash-free history and top-tier turbulence management.

Cathay Pacific – Consistently world-class safety and crew expertise.

Qantas – Renowned for meticulous safety culture.

Qatar Airways – High safety audits and excellent operational standards.

Emirates – Strong fleet and international compliance record.

Air New Zealand – Global favorite with a modern fleet and trusted reputation.

Singapore Airlines – Famous for disciplined training and reliable service.

EVA Air – Taiwan’s top carrier, ranked 8th worldwide for safety culture.

Virgin Australia – Well-established safety protocols and crew standards.

Korean Air – Solid safety track record with global operations.

Note: While several low-cost carriers also scored high in safety, this list blends premier full-service carriers recognized for excellence in aviation safety.

Why this Matters to Travelers?

Today, air travel is statistically one of the safest ways to get around the globe – and these rankings help reinforce that trust. Insights from this latest report allow flyers to:

Book with confidence, especially for long-haul routes.

Choose airlines with strong safety investments.

Understand that high safety consistently correlates with better crew training and aircraft maintenance.

With pockets of the world opening up and wanderlust growing stronger, knowing you’re flying with one of the safest airlines brings peace of mind – and more excitement for the journey ahead.