The safest airlines in the world for 2027 are Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, according to the latest AirlineRatings list. Qatar Airways and Emirates complete the top five.
AirlineRatings.com, a source for airline safety and product reviews, assessed 320 airlines for its latest list and ranks the top performers each January. In 2022, Air New Zealand won the top spot from Qantas, and that list was based on 385 global carriers. See our earlier guide to the safest airlines in the world for background.
The airlines below follow that latest list, and AirlineRatings says small score differences should not be read as real safety gaps. Planning a trip? Our tips to take a summer vacation on the cheap can help. The UM World University Rankings methodology covers universities, so it is not used to score airlines.
The Safest Airlines In The World 2027
1. Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways takes first place on the latest AirlineRatings list for full-service carriers, and it is the first Gulf airline to hold the top spot. The Abu Dhabi carrier, founded in 2003, was praised for a young fleet, cockpit safety improvements aimed at turbulence and a crash-free history.
AirlineRatings said Etihad had the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on the list. It also took part in the rater’s onboard safety audit and showed strong turbulence management in the cabin. Etihad serves destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, so most long-haul travellers can reach it from their home airport.
2. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong carrier founded in 1946, ranks second. AirlineRatings points to a safety culture built on rigorous pilot training, frequent external audits and steady investment in new aircraft and technology, a pattern it also sees at Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
The airline flies a large long-haul network from Hong Kong International Airport, one of Asia’s busiest hubs. Travellers heading to Asia from North America often compare it with Singapore Airlines and ANA. Because the gap between the top airlines is tiny, a second-place finish still puts Cathay Pacific among the safest choices in the world.
3. Qantas
Qantas, founded in Queensland in 1920, is one of the world’s oldest airlines and ranks third. It topped the AirlineRatings list in 2023, and it has long been seen as a safety benchmark in the industry.
The Australian flag carrier is known for heavy investment in training, technology and maintenance. AirlineRatings groups it with Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines for strong safety cultures built on regular audits and new aircraft. Travellers flying between North America and Australia can count on a carrier with a very strong safety reputation.
4. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, based in Doha and founded in 1993, ranks fourth. It has grown into one of the world’s largest airlines, with Hamad International Airport as its hub linking Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
AirlineRatings groups Qatar Airways with Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, pointing to rigorous training, frequent external audits and sustained investment in new aircraft and technology. The airline is also known for its premium service, which helps explain why it is a favourite on long-haul routes. For travellers who value both comfort and safety, it is an easy pick.
5. Emirates
Emirates, based in Dubai and founded in 1985, ranks fifth. It operates a large long-haul network through Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest international hubs.
AirlineRatings places Emirates in the same group as Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines for a safety culture built on training, regular audits and new aircraft. Its large, modern widebody fleet and long-haul experience make it a popular choice for travellers heading to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. A top five finish out of 320 airlines assessed is a strong result.
6. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand, formed in 1940 as the Tasman Empire Airways Limited, ranks sixth after topping the list in 2024 and 2025. AirlineRatings said incident rate, fleet age, and some supply-chain instability kept it from first place.
That makes this a small slip rather than a safety warning, because the gap between airlines near the top is narrow. The carrier is known for its safety record and for pushing new technology and innovation. Travellers flying across the Pacific and Tasman will find a trusted airline with a long track record and a ranking that still beats nearly every airline in the world.
7. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines ranks seventh and returns to the top 25 after missing the 2025 list. It was left off after a severe turbulence incident on flight SQ321 in May 2024 and reinstated for 2026 following comprehensive safety reviews.
The airline is based at Changi Airport, a hub that connects Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. It is known for a premium cabin product and strong service. Its return to the list shows the rater weighs what an airline does after a serious incident, a useful signal for travellers who want a carrier that learns and improves.
8. EVA Air
EVA Air, headquartered in Taipei and founded in 1989, ranks eighth. The airline operates a large international network from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, with strong connections across Asia and North America.
EVA Air has a long record of earning high marks from AirlineRatings, which assesses incident rates, fleet age, pilot training, and audits. The airline is known for a young fleet and a rigorous safety management system. For travellers heading to Asia from the West Coast or Canada, it is a dependable and often good value option.
9. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia, which began flying as Virgin Blue in 2000, ranks ninth. Based in Brisbane, it serves Australia’s main domestic routes along with selected international destinations.
The airline has been a regular on AirlineRatings lists, which weigh incident rates, fleet age, pilot training and audits. Because it focuses on short and medium routes, it suits travellers exploring Australia from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. A top ten finish among 320 airlines is a strong result for a carrier that competes mainly on domestic and regional routes.
10. Korean Air
Korean Air, based in Seoul and the country’s flag carrier since 1969, ranks tenth. It connects Incheon International Airport with a wide network across Asia, North America and Europe.
AirlineRatings credits the airline with strong safety assessment results, which consider incident rates, fleet age, pilot training and international audits. The airline has also invested heavily in modern aircraft and technology over the years. It is an attractive choice for travellers flying from North America to Asia who want a well-run full-service carrier with a hub at one of Asia’s top airports.
11. STARLUX Airlines
STARLUX Airlines, a Taiwanese carrier that launched in 2020, debuts on the full-service list at number eleven. AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen said its approach to safety and transparency is exceptional for a young airline.
STARLUX flies from Taoyuan to destinations in Asia and North America, focusing on a modern fleet and a premium product. The debut shows that a young airline can earn a high ranking by being open with auditors and building a strong safety culture from the start. For travellers heading to Taipei, it is worth a close look.
12. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines, founded in 1933 and based in Istanbul, ranks twelfth. It flies to more countries than most airlines through Istanbul Airport, making it a go-to option for travellers heading to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The airline earns its place by meeting AirlineRatings’ standards for incident rates, fleet age, pilot training and audits. Its large network gives travellers many routing options, often at competitive prices. For those who want a full-service airline with global reach, Turkish Airlines is a safe, practical pick.
13. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic, founded in 1984 and based in the United Kingdom, ranks thirteenth. It focuses on long-haul routes between London and destinations in North America, the Caribbean and Asia.
The airline is known for a stylish cabin product and friendly service, and it keeps a relatively modern fleet. AirlineRatings looks at incident rates, fleet age, pilot training, and audits, and Virgin Atlantic scores well on all of them. It is a good pick for travellers flying between the UK and North America who want a fun, comfortable trip without giving up safety.
14. ANA
ANA, or All Nippon Airways, ranks fourteenth. Founded in 1952 and based in Tokyo, it is one of Japan’s biggest airlines, with major hubs at Haneda and Narita airports.
The airline is known for punctuality, clean cabins and consistent service, and it meets AirlineRatings’ standards for incident rates, fleet age, pilot training and audits. Travellers visiting Japan from North America can connect easily to domestic routes through Tokyo. ANA is a strong option for anyone who wants a reliable full-service airline with a well-earned reputation.
15. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines, based in Seattle, ranks fifteenth. In January 2024, a mid-cabin door plug blew out on one of its flights, but no lives were lost, which AirlineRatings attributed to operational discipline, crew performance, and a strong safety culture.
The rater cites the event as an example of unexpected problems that can affect any airline, and it kept Alaska on the list. Alaska is the only US airline in the top 15, and it flies a large West Coast network. It is a solid pick for travellers across the western United States and Canada.
How AirlineRatings Scores Airline Safety
AirlineRatings scores airlines on incident rates adjusted for flights flown, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training and international safety audits. Its latest list also weighted turbulence prevention and airline transparency more heavily. Airlines earn up to seven stars by meeting criteria such as IATA IOSA audit accreditation, no serious pilot-related incidents and no fatal accident attributable to the airline in the last ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest airline in the world?
Etihad Airways is first on the latest AirlineRatings list of full-service airlines, followed by Cathay Pacific and Qantas. Etihad was cited for a young fleet, a crash-free history and the lowest incident rate per flight on the list.
How does AirlineRatings rank airline safety?
It looks at incident rates adjusted for flights flown, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training and international safety audits. Turbulence prevention and airline transparency were weighted heavily in its latest list, which assessed 320 airlines.
What does the seven-star rating mean?
Airlines earn up to seven stars by meeting criteria such as IATA IOSA audit accreditation, no serious pilot-related incidents, safe operating conditions and no fatal accidents in the last ten years.
Is flying safe even if an airline is not in the top 15?
Yes. Commercial flying is very safe, and AirlineRatings says small score differences between airlines should not be read as meaningful safety gaps. Several other airlines, such as TAP Air Portugal, SAS and British Airways, rank just outside the top 15.
Which US airline ranks highest?
Alaska Airlines is the highest US carrier in the top 15, at number fifteen. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines also appear on the top 25 list.
How was this list ordered?
The order follows the AirlineRatings list of safest full-service airlines, which was published in January 2026. UM World University Rankings and its methodology cover universities, not airlines, so they are not used here.
Top Safest Airlines in the World 2027
- Etihad Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Air New Zealand
- Singapore Airlines
- EVA Air
- Virgin Australia
- Korean Air
- STARLUX Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- ANA
- Alaska Airlines
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