Air New Zealand, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Beyond Lead the Pack as Airline Ratings Reveals Top Ten Safest Airlines, with IndiGo and AirAsia Making the Cut in the Low-Cost Category Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Safest Airlines

Air New Zealand and Qantas Lead the Way in Airline Safety Rankings for 2025

For 2025, Air New Zealand and Qantas have secured the top spots in AirlineRatings.com’s prestigious list of the safest full-service airlines. The battle for the number one position was remarkably tight, with just a 1.50-point difference separating the two. While both airlines are recognized for their unwavering commitment to aviation safety, Air New Zealand managed to edge out Qantas due to its younger fleet, a key factor in the airline safety evaluations. Although Qantas remains highly regarded for its excellent safety practices and top-notch pilot training, Air New Zealand’s fleet age provided it with a slight advantage in the final rankings.

Each year, AirlineRatings.com evaluates over 385 airlines worldwide, considering a range of factors including fleet age, incident rates, pilot training, and various safety certifications. Both Air New Zealand and Qantas scored impressively in all these categories, earning them recognition as exemplars of aviation safety. The competition was so tight that even the smallest difference in fleet age played a pivotal role in determining the ranking.

Understanding the Criteria for Ranking the Safest Airlines

The rankings are based on a comprehensive assessment process that takes into account several critical factors. These include the number of serious incidents over the past two years, the age and size of the fleet, pilot skills and training, IOSA certification, and ICAO country audits. Other considerations such as the airline’s profitability and overall safety record also weigh heavily in the evaluation process.

For 2025, AirlineRatings.com compiled a list of the top 10 safest full-service airlines, highlighting the best-performing carriers worldwide:

Air New Zealand
Qantas
Cathay Pacific
Qatar Airways
Emirates
Virgin Australia
Etihad Airways
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
EVA Air
Korean Air
Alaska Airlines
Turkish Airlines (THY)

These airlines have consistently demonstrated exceptional safety standards, becoming models for the industry and setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Global Implications of Airline Safety Rankings

The influence of these rankings goes far beyond just aviation industry professionals. Airlines that achieve top safety scores inspire trust among passengers, which can significantly impact global tourism, business travel, and overall trade.

Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates—all appearing in the top 10—have earned their reputation as reliable carriers offering exceptional safety and comfort. These airlines continue to set the bar for what passengers expect from global air travel. As travelers become more aware of the safety standards that define their flight experience, their choices will increasingly be guided by these rankings, making them a vital tool for the global tourism industry.

This shift toward prioritizing safety means that airlines aiming to stay competitive will need to continually improve their safety protocols, fleet management, and training programs to meet rising consumer expectations. Countries with airlines that top these rankings will naturally benefit from increased air connectivity, attracting more international visitors and business travelers.

Shifts in the Aviation Landscape: Rising Competitors

The 2025 rankings reveal several interesting shifts in the global aviation landscape. Korean Air‘s remarkable ascent into the top 10 reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing safety practices and fleet modernization. On the other hand, Singapore Airlines and KLM, two carriers historically known for their strong safety records, did not make the list this year, which marks a notable shift in global competition.

Additionally, Vietnam Airlines and Iberia have made their debut in the top 25 rankings, a clear indicator of the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. Vietnam Airlines, in particular, has taken significant strides in improving its safety measures and fleet management, which helped it secure a place among the world’s safest airlines in 2025. These changes show how emerging competitors are beginning to challenge traditional leaders in the industry.

The Rise of Low-Cost Carriers

In addition to the full-service airlines, AirlineRatings.com also published its Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025, highlighting the growing importance of budget carriers in the global aviation industry. Notable low-cost airlines on the list include:

HK Express
Jetstar Group
Ryanair
easyJet
Frontier Airlines
AirAsia
Wizz Air

These carriers have made significant improvements in their safety protocols, narrowing the gap between budget airlines and full-service carriers. This shift is reshaping the way travelers view affordable air travel, with safety no longer seen as a compromise on cost-effective flights. The inclusion of Indian airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia underscores the increasing importance of airlines from Asia and other emerging regions in the aviation sector. As these carriers continue to improve, they are likely to play a larger role in shaping the future of global air travel.

Impact on the Travel Industry and Consumer Choices

The 2025 safety rankings are set to have profound implications for the global travel industry. As passengers become more safety-conscious, airlines that perform well in these rankings will likely see increased demand, as travelers choose carriers known for their commitment to safety and reliability. This shift could lead to a reduction in demand for airlines with lower rankings, pressuring them to make improvements in fleet management and pilot training.

The rankings also have a broader impact on international trade and tourism. Countries with top-ranked airlines are likely to see an increase in foreign visitors and business travelers who prioritize safe travel. This increased air connectivity benefits both local economies and the broader global tourism sector.

As international travel continues its recovery in the post-pandemic era, safety will remain a top priority for passengers. For many, these rankings will serve as a key decision-making tool, shaping their flight choices and influencing the trajectory of global tourism in the coming years. Airlines will need to continue raising the bar in safety, comfort, and service to maintain their position as leaders in the ever-evolving aviation industry.

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