AirlineRatings.com has released its annual ranking of the safest full service airlines across the globe. Air New Zealand claims the top spot in 2025, with Qantas and others close behind.
Air New Zealand has once again been named the world’s safest full service airline by AirlineRatings.com for 2025. The airline maintained its top ranking after a detailed review of safety records, fleet condition, and pilot training among 385 global carriers. With only a slight margin of 1.5 points separating it from second place Qantas, Air New Zealand edged ahead thanks to its younger aircraft fleet and consistently high safety practices.
Qantas continues to hold a strong position in the safety rankings, placing second in 2025. Known for its rigorous pilot training and historical commitment to operational safety, Qantas lost the top position by just 1.5 points. Despite this narrow miss, it remains a benchmark for airline safety around the world.
Cathay Pacific earned a spot in the top five with a joint third place ranking. The airline has been consistently recognized for its excellent maintenance standards, well trained crew, and modern fleet. It continues to uphold high safety benchmarks, even amid growing competition in the Asia Pacific region.
Qatar Airways shared the third place position with Cathay Pacific and Emirates. The airline’s strong safety protocols, effective incident management, and investments in fleet modernization helped it achieve an identical score to the other two carriers. Qatar Airways also benefits from its focus on international service excellence, making it a preferred choice for long haul travel.
Emirates also tied for third place, maintaining its reputation for top tier safety performance. Its commitment to maintaining a young and advanced fleet, combined with strong training programs and operational reliability, earned it one of the highest overall scores in this year’s audit.
Singapore Airlines and KLM did not appear in the top five this year, despite holding strong reputations in the industry. Both were affected by recent safety incidents that impacted their scores. As a result, newer entrants like Iberia and Vietnam Airlines made it onto the list, while Korean Air also returned to the top ten.
The safety rankings were based on a thorough evaluation process including factors such as fleet age, operational history, international safety audit results, incident response quality, and overall airline stability. Airlines that fall short of global safety standards or fail certifications such as IOSA are automatically excluded from the list, ensuring only the most reliable carriers are featured.
AirlineRatings.com emphasized the importance of context when interpreting incident data. For example, a smaller airline with a limited fleet and multiple incidents may be deemed riskier than a larger carrier with more incidents spread across a much bigger network. Financial health also plays a crucial role in determining an airline’s ability to maintain safe operations.
For travelers prioritizing safety in their journeys, these top ranked airlines represent the best options available in global aviation today.
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