A bombshell has dropped across the global airline industry: for the first time, a Gulf carrier has dethroned Air New Zealand at the top of the AirlineRatings.com rankings. In 2026, Etihad Airways will become the world's safest airline, surpassing the established giants of the Pacific and Asia. This ranking is highly anticipated and scrutinized every year by travelers… and also by tourism professionals.
Summary
Etihad Airways voted safest airline in the world
According to the specialized press, the website AirlineRatings.com audited 320 airlines before unveiling its ranking of the safest airlines in 2026.Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, tops the global Top 25, praised for its modern fleet, technological investments and one of the lowest incident rates in the industry.
Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief ofAirlineRatings.com, explains: "This is the first year that a Gulf carrier has held the top spot. Etihad achieved this result thanks to major innovations in the cockpit and exemplary turbulence management."
The 10 best "Full Service" airlines in 2026
The competition remains tight: barely 1.3 points separate the top six. Behind Etihad are Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Air New Zealand. Singapore Airlines' impressive return to 7th place confirms the strength of the Asian market.
Top 25 airlines in 2026
Source: AirlineRatings.comAnd on the low-cost side: HK Express and easyJet lead the way
Among low-cost carriers, Cathay Pacific's subsidiary HK Express retains its top spot worldwide. In Europe, easyJet stands out in the Top 10, alongside airBaltic and Wizz Air. Also noteworthy is the entry of Spring Airlines China, the first Chinese low-cost carrier to appear in the Top 25.
The 25 safest low-cost airlines in 2026
Source: AirlineRatings.comWhat this changes for tourism professionals
For travel agencies and tour operators, these rankings directly influence customer perception. Offering flights operated by the safest airlines in 2026 is a strong reassurance factor, particularly for long-haul flights and premium or family customers.
A new approach to aviation safety
The 2026 edition of the ranking introduces a notable development: the prevention of turbulence and the use of real-time data via programs like Turbulence Aware become structuring criteria.
As Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com, points out: "The margins between the leaders are tiny. What makes the difference today is the quality of reporting and investment in next-generation cockpit technologies."
Key takeaways
- Etihad Airways will become the safest airline in the world by 2026.
- The Gulf confirms its rise in the safety rankings.
- Asian and European low-cost carriers are making strong progress.
- These rankings provide a source of reassurance for travel professionals.
Updates
Last updated: January 16, 2026 – official publication of the AirlineRatings.com 2026 ranking.
Sources
AirlineRatings.com – World's Safest Airlines for 2026
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