Airline Safety Rankings for 2025: A Close Contest at the Top
Airline safety remains a critical factor for millions of travelers worldwide, shaping their choices as air travel continues to knit the globe closer through speed and convenience. This year, AirlineRatings.com unveiled its comprehensive list of the Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines and Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025, evaluating 385 carriers across diverse safety metrics.
The Elite: Top 10 Safest Full-Service Airlines
Among full-service airlines, the race for the safest airline title was razor-thin. Leading the pack were:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates (tied for third)
- Virgin Australia
- Etihad Airways
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- EVA Air
- Korean Air
- Alaska Airlines
- Turkish Airlines (THY)
The next tier of airlines includes notable names such as TAP Portugal, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, and British Airways among others.
What Sets the Winners Apart?
According to the CEO of AirlineRatings.com, the difference between the top two contenders was a mere 1.5 points. Both Air New Zealand and Qantas excel in rigorous pilot training and safety protocols, but Air New Zealand’s advantage lies in its comparatively younger fleet, which plays a decisive role in the rankings.
The third place was shared by Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates — their scores were indistinguishable across criteria such as fleet age, pilot expertise, safety practices, and incident statistics.
Spotlight on Low-Cost Carriers: Indian Airlines Make a Mark
In the budget segment, 25 safest low-cost airlines were recognized, featuring two prominent Indian carriers: IndiGo and AirAsia. This highlights the growing emphasis Indian low-cost airlines place on safety alongside affordability.
Other notable names in this category include HK Express, Jetstar Group, Ryanair, easyJet, Southwest Airlines, Wizz Air, and Norwegian. These airlines were evaluated on the same stringent parameters as their full-service counterparts.
Key Changes and Surprises in 2025 Rankings
- Iberia and Vietnam Airlines made their debut in the top 25 list.
- Korean Air climbed to the prestigious top 10 full-service airlines.
- Conspicuously absent this year were established names like Singapore Airlines and KLM, which did not make the list.
What This Means for Passengers
While factors such as luxury and comfort influence traveler preferences, safety remains the unquestioned priority when choosing airlines. Evaluations incorporate a broad spectrum of considerations—from fleet condition and safety audits to pilot training excellence and incident history—providing passengers with a robust benchmark for informed travel decisions in 2025.
As air travel continues to evolve, these rankings underscore the airlines’ commitment to maintaining and enhancing global safety standards.
