The Safest Airlines to Fly With in 2025

Introduction to Airline Safety Rankings

In recent months, aviation incidents have dominated global news, raising concerns among travelers about the safety of flying. To address these worries, AirlineRatings, a renowned airline review platform, has released its annual ranking of the world’s safest airlines for 2025. This comprehensive ranking evaluates airlines based on multiple factors, providing passengers with insights to make informed decisions when booking their next flight. AirlineRatings’ list of the top 25 safest airlines highlights carriers that excel in safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. For the second consecutive year, Air New Zealand claimed the top spot as the world’s safest airline, edging out its close competitor, Qantas.

The Safest Airlines in Europe for 2025

Europe is home to some of the world’s most reputable airlines, and in 2025, Turkish Airlines emerged as the safest carrier in the region. Ranked 13th globally, Turkish Airlines has maintained an impressive safety record, with no fatal accidents since 2009. The airline’s commitment to safety is matched by its exceptional service, earning it awards for catering and inflight entertainment, as well as a ‘World Class’ rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). Following closely, TAP Portugal secured the second spot among European airlines, boasting a fatality-free record since 1977. The airline also offers fear of flying courses, further emphasizing its dedication to passenger well-being.

Other European carriers, such as SAS, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, and the Lufthansa Group, also made the top 25 list. Notably, Iberia’s inclusion marked a significant milestone, as it earned a place on the list for the first time, thanks to its outstanding on-time performance, staff excellence, and catering. These airlines’ inclusion highlights Europe’s strong commitment to aviation safety and customer satisfaction.

Safe Low-Cost Airlines in Europe

When it comes to budget-friendly travel, safety remains a top priority for passengers. AirlineRatings separately evaluates low-cost carriers, and in 2025, European airlines excelled in this category. Ryanair, one of the largest low-cost airlines in the world, claimed the top spot as the safest budget carrier in Europe and third place globally. With a 40-year fatality-free record, Ryanair has consistently prioritized safety. EasyJet followed closely, ranking fourth globally and second in Europe. The airline’s rigorous safety checks and well-trained cabin crew ensure passenger comfort and security.

Wizz Air, another European low-cost carrier, secured seventh place globally, rounding out the top three safest budget airlines in Europe. Despite being relatively young, Wizz Air has never experienced a fatal accident and operates a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft. Other European low-cost airlines, such as Norwegian, Vueling, Jet2, Eurowings, and airBaltic, also made the top 25 list, with Jet2 and airBaltic earning their first-ever spots. These carriers have demonstrated exceptional safety records, further reassuring passengers of the reliability of low-cost travel.

Why European Airlines Excel in Safety

Europe’s strong performance in AirlineRatings’ 2025 safety rankings can be attributed to the region’s stringent safety regulations and the airlines’ unwavering commitment to excellence. Many European carriers have long-standing fatality-free records, a testament to their dedication to safety protocols. For instance, Turkish Airlines has not had a fatal accident in over a decade, while TAP Portugal has maintained a spotless safety record for nearly 50 years. Additionally, airlines like easyJet and Ryanair have implemented rigorous safety checks and training programs, ensuring the well-being of their passengers and crew.

The inclusion of airlines like Iberia and airBaltic in the top 25 list also reflects their transformational efforts to enhance safety and customer experience. Iberia’s focus on on-time performance, staff excellence, and modern aircraft has paid off, while airBaltic’s commitment to safety and customer comfort has earned it global recognition. These achievements highlight the competitive nature of Europe’s aviation industry, where safety and innovation go hand in hand.

How Airline Safety is Assessed

AirlineRatings’ safety assessments are based on a robust evaluation process that considers multiple factors to determine an airline’s safety rating. The primary criteria include the age of an airline’s fleet, the number of aircraft it operates, pilot training programs, and the frequency of incidents reported. Additionally, the platform evaluates an airline’s profitability, as financial stability often correlates with the ability to invest in safety measures such as maintenance and training programs.

Another critical factor is an airline’s compliance with international safety standards. AirlineRatings considers whether an airline’s home country has passed the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which assesses a nation’s implementation of safety oversight and best practices. Furthermore, airlines that have undergone the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a global benchmark for safety auditing, are given higher ratings. These comprehensive assessments ensure that AirlineRatings provides passengers with a reliable guide to the world’s safest airlines.

Conclusion: Flying with Confidence in 2025

The release of AirlineRatings’ 2025 safety rankings offers travelers a valuable resource to make informed decisions when choosing their next flight. With carriers like Air New Zealand, Turkish Airlines, and Ryanair leading the way, passengers can fly with confidence, knowing that these airlines have met the highest safety standards. The strong performance of European airlines and low-cost carriers further underscores the region’s commitment to aviation safety. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, airlines that prioritize safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction will remain at the forefront of the global rankings. By flying with these top-rated airlines, travelers can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey, whether they’re exploring new destinations or returning home.