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A new study reveals the Safest Airline in the world, highlighting the importance of safety for travelers and industry confidence.
AirlineRatings.com has named Etihad Airways the World’s safest full-service airline for 2026, a milestone achievement that makes the Abu Dhabi-based carrier the first Gulf airline to top the annual list.
This milestone can inspire trust in travelers and pride in industry professionals.
According to AirlineRatings, Etihad earned the distinction due to several factors, including its relatively young fleet, continued advancements in cockpit safety systems, a crash-free operating history, and the lowest incident rate per flight among all airlines evaluated.
New Study Reveals the Safest Airline in the World.
These rankings are based on a comprehensive review of safety metrics, including fleet age, pilot training, international audits, turbulence avoidance, and incident rates, and emphasize the key safety features that set top airlines apart. The study also considers the number of serious incidents recorded.
“While all airlines in the 2026 list have experienced incidents over the past two years, their incident rates per flight range from 0.002 to 0.09,” said AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen, highlighting that the top 25 airlines are leaders in aviation safety.
As mentioned above, “Overall, it is important to note that every airline featured in the 2026 list has recorded incidents over the past two years, from tail strikes to on-board fires and engine shutdowns.”
Etihad operates flights to multiple U.S. cities, including Boston, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, with plans to launch service to Charlotte later this year. The airline is known for its comfortable economy cabins, as well as over-the-top premium offerings such as The Residence, a three-room suite featuring a private bedroom, living area, and ensuite shower.
Cathay Pacific secured second place in the rankings, with Australia’s Qantas close behind in third. Qatar Airways and Dubai-based Emirates rounded out the top five safest full-service airlines for 2026. Air New Zealand, which ranked first in last year’s rankings, placed sixth this time around.
Among U.S. carriers, Alaska Airlines ranked highest at No. 15 overall, followed by Delta Air Lines at No. 23 and American Airlines at No. 24. In the low-cost carrier category, HK Express ranked first, followed by Jetstar Airways and Scoot. Southwest Airlines ranked sixth globally among low-cost airlines.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
