The United Arab Emirates has cemented its position as a global leader in aviation safety, with three of its carriers securing spots among the world’s top five safest airlines according to AirlineRatings’ prestigious 2026 assessment. Etihad Airways achieved the remarkable distinction of being ranked the world’s safest airline, marking the first time a Gulf carrier has claimed the top position.
The comprehensive safety evaluation, which analyzed 25 full-service and budget carriers, placed Etihad at the pinnacle followed by Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Emirates completing the top five. The rankings considered multiple safety parameters including fleet age, incident rates, crash history, cockpit safety advancements, and independent onboard safety audits.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, emphasized that Etihad’s achievement resulted from a combination of factors: “A young fleet, advancements in cockpit safety particularly around turbulence management, a crash-free history, and the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on our list. Their excellent adherence to turbulence management in the cabin during our independent audit was particularly impressive.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed pride in receiving “one of the most respected airline safety awards in the world,” noting that the achievement “reflects the strength of our safety culture, the dedication of our people, and the aviation excellence of our region.”
The UAE’s aviation success story is underpinned by substantial investments exceeding billions of dollars in new, fuel-efficient aircraft. This strategic commitment was demonstrated during the Dubai Airshow 2025, where UAE carriers—Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai—collectively ordered over 500 commercial and cargo aircraft valued at approximately Dh420 billion.
In the budget airline category, flydubai secured fourth position, making it the only regional carrier in the top ten safest low-cost airlines. HK Express led the budget rankings, followed by Jetstar Airways and Scoot.
Petersen highlighted the remarkably narrow safety margins between top carriers, noting that incident rates across all listed airlines ranged between 0.002 and 0.09 per flight—a testament to the industry’s overall safety standards. “Inclusion in the top 25 reflects not just excellence in aircraft and operations but the crucial role of skilled aircrew and robust safety practices,” she added.
The 2026 rankings also welcomed new entrants including Starlux and Fiji Airways, while Spring Airlines China became the first Chinese carrier to appear in AirlineRatings’ rankings.