By Sumavaya Iqbal 
Global aviation safety authority AirlineRatings.com has officially revealed its much-anticipated list of the Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines and Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines for 2025, offering critical insight for travelers and industry professionals alike.
This annual ranking is derived from a comprehensive analysis of 385 airlines worldwide, taking into account several key safety indicators. These include:
- Record of serious incidents and fatalities
- IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification
- ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) audits
- Fleet age and maintenance records
- Pilot training standards and airline profitability
These factors collectively paint a picture of each airline’s dedication to operational excellence and passenger safety.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed concern over air travel safety, particularly following the tragic Air India crash, which claimed 270 lives and prompted regulatory inspections across the region.
Top 10 Full-Service Airlines for 2025
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Cathay Pacific
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Virgin Australia
- Etihad Airways
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- EVA Air
- Korean Air
Other major names rounding out the top 25 include Turkish Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa/Swiss, Finnair, JAL, and American Airlines.
Safest Low-Cost Carriers in 2025
- HK Express
- Jetstar Group
- Ryanair
- easyJet
- Frontier Airlines
- AirAsia
- Wizz Air
- VietJet Air
- Southwest Airlines
- Volaris
The inclusion of budget airlines like IndiGo, JetBlue, Vueling, and Air Baltic reflects that safety excellence is not limited to premium carriers.
AirlineRatings’ rankings are designed to help travelers make informed decisions. While no airline can offer complete risk elimination, these top performers show consistent investment in safety culture and compliance with international standards.