Ranking the world's most secure airlines
Air travel continues to be the safest mode of transport, according to experts, with the latest data showing a risk of dying in an aviation accident as low as 1 in 13.7 million boardings between 2018 and 2022, as revealed by a recent study by MIT.
In the 2024 rankings by Airline Ratings, a recognized platform in the aviation industry, Air New Zealand emerged as the safest airline in the world, narrowly followed by Qantas. Several other global carriers tied closely for top safety status, including Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, ANA, EVA Air, and Korean Air.
Sharon Peterson, CEO of Airline Ratings, praised Air New Zealand for its stringent safety standards and young fleet, which played a significant role in its top position. Qantas, historically known as one of the safest airlines globally, came in very close, with a three-way tie for third place among Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
The safety rankings cover both full-service and low-cost carriers but highlight major full-service airlines largely from Australasia, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions. Interestingly, airBaltic was recognized among the top 50 safest airlines globally for 2025, though not in the absolute top tier.
The data for choosing the safest airlines was based on opinions, investigations, and data provided by pilots, agencies, and specialists. The selection process primarily considered factors such as safety management, emergency response, and training.
In 2024, the total accident rate was 1.13 per million flights, according to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) safety report. Out of the 40.6 million flights operated last year, only 46 accidents were recorded, 7 of which were fatal.
The industry follows safety recommendations and protocols established by agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), IATA, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
[1] AirlineRatings.com (2025). The World's Safest Airlines for 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.airlineratings.com/airline-safety/worlds-safest-airlines/
[2] AirlineRatings.com (2025). Top 50 Safest Airlines for 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.airlineratings.com/airline-safety/top-50-safest-airlines/
[3] BBC News (2025). Air New Zealand Named Safest Airline in the World. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56901574
[4] The Guardian (2025). Qantas and Air New Zealand Share Top Safety Honors. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jan/01/qantas-and-air-new-zealand-share-top-safety-honors
[5] Forbes (2025). The World's Top Safest Airlines in 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexanderhudson/2025/01/01/the-worlds-top-safest-airlines-in-2024/?sh=72f0727c4070
- Despite the remarkable safety record of air travel, some individuals might prefer to explore various States that offer unique lifestyles, leaving air travel behind for a ground-based journey.
- As travel becomes more normalized post-pandemic, those seeking safe airlines for their next adventure may consider options from the lists of the World's Safest Airlines for 2024 and 2025, like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and other globally recognized carriers with top safety rankings.
