The UAE aviation sector has reached a significant new milestone. According to the AirlineRatings 2026 list of the world’s safest airlines, three UAE carriers have secured places among the global top five. Leading the list is Etihad Airways, which claimed the number one position worldwide, a first for any Gulf airline.
As a result, the UAE has further strengthened its reputation as a global leader in aviation safety and operational excellence.
Etihad tops the world for the first time.
For the first time, Etihad Airways has been named the world’s safest airline. The top five rankings also include Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the top 10 features Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Virgin Australia, and Korean Air.
AirlineRatings assessed 25 full-service airlines, along with leading low-cost carriers, evaluating fleet age, safety performance, operational standards,s and incident records.
Explaining Etihad’s rise to the top, AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen said the airline stood out on multiple fronts.
“This is the first year a Gulf carrier has taken the number one spot. Etihad earned this position through a young fleet, major advances in cockpit safety, particularly in turbulence management, a crash-free record, and the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on the list,” she said.
She added that Etihad’s participation in independent onboard safety audits and its strong cabin safety procedures further reinforced its ranking.
Heavy investment in safety leadership
This recognition follows years of substantial investment in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft by UAE airlines. These upgrades have not only enhanced passenger experience but also strengthened safety and operational reliability.
At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai placed orders for more than 500 commercial and cargo aircraft, with a combined value of nearly Dh420 billion. Together, these commitments highlight the UAE’s long-term strategy to remain at the forefront of global aviation.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves welcomed the achievement.
“We are incredibly proud to receive one of the most respected airline safety awards in the world. Being the first Gulf carrier to reach this position reflects the strength of our safety culture, the dedication of our people, and the aviation excellence of our region,” he said.
Narrow margins, high standards
Despite the rankings, AirlineRatings stressed that safety margins among the world’s top airlines are extremely slim.
Petersen noted that every airline on the list has faced incidents, ranging from tail strikes to onboard fires and engine shutdowns. However, she emphasised that the incident rate per flight ranges between just 0.002 and 0.09, underscoring the industry’s overall safety strength.
“In today’s aviation environment, where serious incidents are rare, inclusion in the top 25 reflects not only advanced aircraft and systems but also the critical role of skilled aircrew and strong safety cultures,” she said.
flydubai stands out among budget airlines
UAE success extended into the low-cost segment as flydubai ranked fourth among the world’s safest budget airlines, making it the only regional carrier in the global top 10.
In this category, HK Express topped the rankings, followed by Jetstar Airways, Scoot, flydubai, EasyJet Group, AirBaltic, VietJet Air, Wizz Air Group, and AirAsia Group.
Petersen highlighted several notable changes this year, including the first appearance of Spring Airlines China, marking the debut of a Chinese carrier in any AirlineRatings safety list. She also pointed to AirBaltic’s rise into the top 10.
HK Express, meanwhile, retained the top position for the second time, supported by its modern fleet, exceptionally low incident rate,e and near-perfect onboard safety audit.
Why the ranking matters
AirlineRatings excludes airlines operating fewer than 25 aircraft, focusing on high-frequency operators serving large passenger volumes. This makes the recognition particularly significant for UAE carriers competing at the highest global level.
More importantly, the rankings reinforce a consistent passenger experience. UAE’s safest airlines continue to set international benchmarks for safety, professionalism, and reliability.
A defining moment for UAE aviation
With Etihad named the world’s safest airline, Emirates ranked among the global top five,e and flydubai recognised in the budget category, the UAE has firmly positioned itself as a global aviation powerhouse.
As airlines continue to modernise fleets, invest in advanced safety systems, and strengthen training standards, this recognition signals more than achievement. It points to even safer skies ahead for travellers worldwide.
Follow us on Instagram and stay updated with our current news.
