AirlineRatings.com, a prominent aviation safety and product rating website, has released its highly anticipated list of the world’s safest airlines for 2025. This comprehensive assessment, conducted annually since 2012, evaluates 385 airlines globally based on a rigorous set of criteria, providing travelers with valuable insights into airline safety performance. The rankings consider a range of factors, including the airline’s accident history over the past five years, any significant incidents within the last two years, the results of government safety audits, the average age of the aircraft fleet, the size and composition of the fleet, and the quality of pilot and crew training programs. This multi-faceted approach ensures a thorough evaluation of each airline’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Air New Zealand secured the top spot for the second consecutive year, narrowly edging out Qantas, which claimed the second position. The two airlines were separated by a mere 1.5 points, highlighting the incredibly high safety standards maintained by both carriers. While both boast exceptional pilot training and stringent safety protocols, Air New Zealand’s slightly younger fleet ultimately gave it the edge in this year’s rankings. A three-way tie for third place emerged between Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, showcasing the remarkable parity in safety performance among these leading airlines. Their identical scores across various assessment categories, from fleet age and pilot skills to safety practices and incident records, made it impossible to distinguish a clear leader among the three. Virgin Australia followed closely behind, securing the fourth position.
The rankings also highlighted the strong performance of several European carriers. Turkish Airlines (THY) became the first European airline to appear on the list, claiming the tenth spot, followed by TAP Portugal in eleventh place. Notably, British Airways, the sole UK airline to feature in the top 25, maintained its position from the previous year at fifteenth place. Finnair and Lufthansa/Swiss also earned their place among the top 25 safest airlines, solidifying the reputation of European carriers for their commitment to passenger safety. This recognition reflects the robust safety regulations and oversight within the European aviation industry, as well as the airlines’ dedication to maintaining high operational standards.
Alongside the full-service airline rankings, AirlineRatings.com also unveiled the safest low-cost carriers for 2025. This separate ranking provides budget-conscious travelers with crucial information for making informed choices about their air travel. Hong Kong Express and Jetstar Group claimed the top two positions, respectively, demonstrating their commitment to providing safe and affordable air travel. Ryanair and easyJet, two of Europe’s most popular budget airlines, secured the third and fourth positions, respectively, further bolstering the strong showing of European carriers in the safety rankings.
Other notable low-cost airlines in the top 20 include Frontier Airlines, AirAsia, Wizz Air, VietJet Air, Southwest Airlines, Volaris, flydubai, Norwegian, Vueling, and Jet2. Jet2, a UK-based leisure airline, earned a respectable fourteenth place in the rankings, while Eurowings rounded out the top 20. The inclusion of these budget airlines underscores the increasing focus on safety within the low-cost sector, as airlines strive to provide passengers with affordable travel options without compromising on safety standards.
The AirlineRatings.com rankings offer valuable insights into the current state of airline safety globally, recognizing airlines that prioritize passenger safety and operational excellence. The rigorous methodology employed by AirlineRatings.com, coupled with their long-standing expertise in aviation safety, ensures the credibility and reliability of these rankings. For travelers, these rankings serve as a valuable resource for making informed decisions about their air travel choices, empowering them to prioritize safety when selecting an airline. The inclusion of both full-service and low-cost carriers in the rankings provides a comprehensive overview of the safety landscape across the aviation industry, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of travelers worldwide. The continued focus on safety by airlines globally, as evidenced by the strong performance of carriers from various regions and business models, reinforces the importance of passenger safety as a paramount concern in the aviation industry.
