AirlineRatings.com recently announced its annual list of the safest airlines for 2025, providing valuable insights for travelers planning their next trip. The comprehensive assessment considered various factors, including serious incidents, fleet age, profitability, and pilot training, across 385 airlines.
Air New Zealand Leads the Pack in Full-Service Airlines
Air New Zealand secured the top spot as the safest full-service airline, edging out Qantas by a narrow margin. The two airlines demonstrated exceptional safety standards and pilot training. However, Air New Zealand’s younger fleet gave it the slight advantage.
Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates shared a three-way tie for third place, showcasing impeccable performance across all safety metrics. Their identical scores highlighted the commitment to safety within these leading airlines.
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Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, ANA, EVA Air, Korean Air, Alaska Airlines, and Turkish Airlines rounded out the top ten, demonstrating a strong commitment to passenger safety. Notably, Korean Air’s rise into the top ten signifies significant improvements in its safety record.
Other prominent airlines, including TAP Portugal, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, SAS, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Lufthansa/Swiss, JAL, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and United Airlines, also earned recognition for their safety performance. Iberia and Vietnam Airlines made their debut on the list this year.
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While Singapore Airlines and KLM did not make the list this year due to specific incidents, AirlineRatings.com emphasized their exceptional safety records and maintained their seven-star ratings.
Hong Kong Express Claims Top Spot for Low-Cost Airlines
In the low-cost carrier category, Hong Kong Express earned the title of the safest airline for 2025. Jetstar Group, Ryanair, easyJet, Frontier Airlines, AirAsia, and Wizz Air followed closely behind, solidifying their positions as reliable and safe budget-friendly travel options.
VietJet Air, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris completed the top ten low-cost carriers. Other airlines recognized for their safety included flydubai, Norwegian, Vueling, Jet2, Sun Country Airlines, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Eurowings, Allegiant Air, Cebu Pacific, ZipAir, SKY Airline, and Air Baltic. These rankings offer travelers a comprehensive guide to selecting safe and reputable airlines for their journeys in 2025.
