In a time when implementing global travel isn’t just a perk, it’s a requirement, safety is still the number one concern for the millions of applicants flying every day. The airline industry has advanced with technology, maintenance, training, and a huge number of airlines working diligently to provide their passengers with reliable and safe global services. Safety in aviation has improved in 2025 because of the last ten years, the new AI-based monitoring systems, and stricter follow-ups by international regulators. In the rush to earn travelers trust, one airline consistently outperformed all others in operational safety transparency, compliance, and incident-free operation. All of these airlines exceeded global aviation safety requirements and received accolades from safety experts and world traveling passengers. In establishing the top 10 safest airlines of 2025, measures were used against fleet age and history, safety audits and certifications (IATA, ICAO, et cetera), incident and accident records, pilot rigor training, and flight safety technological advances. Airlines that maintain operations under strict national aviation authorities and establish solid corporate safety cultures received higher scores. The top ten list is not necessarily just a list; it is a reflection of airlines that are changing the meaning of flying with confidence in today's aviation world. Whether you are a frequent flyer or a traveler, knowing which airlines consistently put safety above everything else can help determine a course of action in the pursuit of planning the next adventure. Now, let's look at the ten airlines determined to be the safest in the skies 2025.
10. Turkish Airlines (THY):
Turkish Airlines (THY), the national carrier of Türkiye, is true to form by proving itself to be as safe and reliable as ever in 2025. THY operates over 400 modern aircraft and flights to over 340 destinations in six continents, national and international scope with strict adherence to safety regulation. THY has a great safety record supported by safe and strict maintenance and crew training, and is compliant with international aviation regulations. THY is part of the Star Alliance and has participated in IATA Operational Safety Audits (IOSA) and the IOSA program. THY is prepared to invest in many modern aviation technology solutions to ensure that its passengers remain as secure as possible while travelling. THY continues to innovate as a service to its passengers and offers an excellently reliable experience.
9. Alaska Airlines:
Founded in 1932, headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, Alaska Airlines (IATA: AS) flies an all-Boeing mainline fleet of modern aircraft consisting of over 330 aircraft (737-700/800/900/-MAX) and Embraer 175s in their regional fleet. They serve more than 128 destinations, with a primary focus on the U.S. West Coast and various destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and Central America. In January 2025, AirlineRatings.com ranked Alaska Airlines as the ninth-safest full-service carrier in the world. After the 2024 door-plug incident on a MAX 9 aircraft, they took significant safety measures involving audits of policies, inspections of the entire fleet, and tightening of oversight on Boeing. A member of oneworld, Alaska Airlines regularly receives high customer satisfaction ratings and is expanding internationally, with routes to Japan Tokyo and Korea Seoul in 2025.
8. Korean Air:
Korean Air is South Korea's national carrier and largest airline (restructured as a company under Hanjin Kim in 1969) and has a fleet of 167 aircraft, with 108 destinations around the globe and operates out of hubs in Seoul Incheon and Gimpo. Korean Air is a founding member of SkyTeam and provides services to approximately 150 cities, in 50 countries. The airlines rebounded after a turbulent existence during the tail end of the 20th century to become a 5-Star Skytrax carrier and was named 2025 Airline of the Year by AirlineRatings.com in 2025 for quality of economy, comfort, and service excellence. Korean Air merged with Asiana Airlines in December of 2024 and introduced a revamped brand livery in March of 2025, with intentions to complete all transformation under one roof by 2027. The airline achieved a historic high of KRW 16 trillion of revenue in year 2024 as a result of growth in passengers and cargo, allowing the airline to grow its fleet while still ensuring safety, service, and sustainability through the merger.
7. EVA Air:
Founded in 1989 by Taiwan's Evergreen Group, EVA Air began operations after 2 years and by now evolved into a 5-Star Skytrax rated full-service carrier and member of Star Alliance-group flying to ~60 destinations in ~85 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft. EVA Air has a rich reputation in safety; it was rated as the top-10 safest airline in the world—7th safest—by AirlineRatings in 2025, and has carried its recognition of safety for 12 consecutive years, and has recorded not a single fatal accident. EVA Air is noted as the first airline to launch a Premium Economy product (1991). EVA's latest generation of Premium Economy—now in its 4th-generation aboard Boeing 787-9—features a business-class-like 42-inch pitch, side panels, footrests, and personal lighting. The airline is current in the process of renewing its fleet of 787-9 and acquiring A350-1000s, A321neos, and additional 787-9s. EVA Air is maximizing its global network and improving network sustainability and premium comfort, including the colourful and fabulously themed Hello Kitty jets that are loved by children and families.
6. ANA:
Established in December 1952, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is Japan’s largest airline. The airline has a fleet of approximately 216 aircraft, with the largest number of aircraft flying out of the Tokyo Haneda, Narita and Osaka hubs. It serves over 95 international routes around the globe. ANA has been a member of the Star Alliance since 1999 and has been awarded a 5-Star Skytrax rating for 12 consecutive years as the only Japanese airline to achieve such an accomplishment, demonstrating an overall excellence both in airport and in-flight services. ANA is recognized for its hospitality (omotenashi), a world-class lounge experience, premium food and beverages options, and a strong cleanliness standard. ANA has a new order for aircraft and with a target fleet of 320 by 2030 as the airline influences the inbound tourism record. ANA provides a leisure experience as well, providing a themed jet on their "Pokémon"-liveried 787, and the world-class Japanese hospitality service.
5. Etihad Airways:
Etihad Airways, established in November of 2003 and based in Abu Dhabi with its hub at Zayed International Airport, is the UAE's second-largest airline, beside Emirates. It operated a fleet of 97 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft that served approximately 86 destinations (as of 2024), carrying a total of 18.5 million passengers in 2024. It had a record profit of US $476 million in 2024 as a result of better cost control, cargo rebound, and more passenger growth. Etihad also achieved a “Design Airline of the Year” and “Environmental Airline of the Year” in the 2023-2024 period and amounts of luxury, such as The Residence A380 suites and luxury Armani-branded amenities. Sustainability initiatives (Greenliner and SAF projects) also needs more mention as well. As part of the "Journey 2030" growth plan, Etihad plans to grow a fleet of 160 jets in total, and offer 125+ destinations (including adding new U.S. routes like Atlanta in mid-2025) and carry 33 million passengers by the end of the decade. A 4-Star Skytrax rating and in the top-10 safest carriers in the world, Etihad Airways continue to balance premium service, modern fleet and efficiency improvements, sustainability and long list of growth plans.
4. Virgin Australia:
Virgin Australia, founded in 2000 (originally as Virgin Blue), has transformed into Australia's second-largest airline. With a mainline fleet of only B737s, ~96 total, and regional expanding Embraer E190‑E2s by the end of 2025, they are well on their way. Virgin Australia has 33 domestic and 6 short-haul international destinations, with about 19m domestic and ~1.3m international passenger segments annually. Virgin is certified 4-Star by Skytrax, is ranked sixth-safest airline in the world, and has a fantastic reputation with service, punctuality (99.2% flight completion in January 2025), and reliability. Their 25% stake in Qatar Airways supports the launch of new long-haul routes to Doha from mid-June 2025 based on a wet-lease basis. With CEO Dave Emerson and IPO planned for June 24, 2025 on the ASX, the airline's modernization, cost-saving, and growth strategies continue apace.
3. Cathay Pacific; Qatar Airways; Emirates:
Cathay Pacific, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a premium full-service airline and member of the oneworld alliance. Cathay Pacific is known for providing great service and safety and has a modern fleet serving over 80 destinations around the world with heavy weights in Asia, Europe, and North America. Qatar Airways, began its operations in 1997 as the national carrier of Qatar. It has been awarded Skytrax 5-Star Airline and Airline of the Year multiple times. It operates flights to over 170 destinations out of the capital of Doha, Qatar, using a modern fleet of airplanes. Emirates, the national airline of Dubai, was established in 1985 and prides itself on luxury and innovation. It operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus A380's and travels to over 140 destinations on 6 continents.
2. Qantas:
Qantas is Australia's National Carrier and the world's third oldest airline continually operating, founded originally in 1920. It is recognized globally as the "Flying Kangaroo," and has an extensive domestic and international network, serving hub points in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Qantas is a founding member of the oneworld alliance and is known for being one of the safest airlines in the world. The fleet has Airbus A380s, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the new A350s for ultra-long-haul "Project Sunrise" flights, among other aircraft. Besides the premium service and safety, Qantas also has a focus on sustainability, with a commitment for net zero emissions by 2050. Qantas also operates regional services and a low-cost carrier service through its QantasLink and Jetstar brands.
1. Air New Zealand:
Founded in 1940 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, Air New Zealand is the national airline of New Zealand and a member of the Star Alliance. Air New Zealand is famous for its Kiwi hospitality, safety records, and innovation, operating Boeing 787s, Airbus A320s, and ATRs on domestic, Pacific, and long-haul international routes. Air New Zealand has received numerous awards from Skytrax and AirlineRatings, particularly for sustainability and customer experience awarded by the Skytrax World Airline Awards and AirlineRatings for airlines with the best customer experience. Air New Zealand is known in particular for their innovative safety videos and their Skycouch seating, as well as focusing on their ambitions for environmental leadership with a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and by investing in Sustainable aviation.
