Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar
Airline safety remains a top concern for travelers worldwide, especially after recent high-profile incidents. Each year, independent agencies evaluate hundreds of airlines to determine which carriers set the benchmark for safety. In 2025, several familiar names lead the global rankings, with a few notable shifts and new entries.
Top 10 Safest Full-Service Airlines in 2025
Based on comprehensive audits and safety records, here are the top 10 safest full-service airlines for 2025:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Cathay Pacific
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Virgin Australia
- Etihad Airways
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- EVA Air
- Korean Air1
What Makes an Airline “Safe”? Key Factors Considered
- Fleet Age and Size: Newer aircraft with modern safety features score higher.
- Incident and Fatality Record: Airlines with minimal or no serious incidents rank better.
- IOSA Certification: Compliance with the IATA Operational Safety Audit is crucial.
- ICAO Audit Results: Strong performance in International Civil Aviation Organization safety audits.
- Pilot Training Standards: Rigorous and ongoing training for flight crews.
- Profitability and Operational Excellence: Financially stable airlines can invest more in safety1.
Notable Insights from the 2025 Rankings
- Air New Zealand narrowly overtook Qantas for the top spot, thanks to its younger fleet.
- Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates tied for third place, reflecting their similar safety records and operational standards.
- Singapore Airlines and KLM—despite excellent safety ratings—missed the top 10 due to recent incidents but still hold seven-star safety scores.
- Korean Air entered the top 10 for the first time in 2025.
- Iberia and Vietnam Airlines made their debut in the top 25 safest airlines1.
