AirlineRatings has just unveiled its list of the world’s safest airlines for 2025, and it’s more relevant than ever. With recent aviation incidents making headlines, concerns about air travel safety are understandably rising. So, if you’re wondering about the safety of your upcoming flight, there’s a detailed resource that will give you peace of mind.
The AirlineRatings team has compiled its annual ranking of the safest airlines, looking at a wide range of factors to help travelers make informed choices. For the second year in a row, Air New Zealand has earned the top spot, maintaining its position as the safest airline in the world. Known for regularly battling it out with Qantas for the top spot, Air New Zealand took the crown in 2024 and 2022 as well.
The top 11 airlines on this year’s list come from the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, but European carriers aren’t far behind. In fact, seven of the top 25 airlines are based in Europe, with some impressive performances.
The Safest Airlines in Europe for 2025
Turkish Airlines, bridging Europe and Asia, leads the way as Europe’s safest airline, ranking 13th globally. It boasts an impeccable safety record with no fatal accidents since 2009. Despite its extensive network, including more destinations than any other airline, Turkish Airlines has remained accident-free for years.
The airline also earned accolades for its onboard services, including catering and inflight entertainment, making it a standout in Europe.
Following closely is TAP Portugal, which ranks 14th globally. Remarkably, the airline hasn’t lost a passenger since 1977. TAP also offers courses designed to help nervous flyers, providing comfort to those worried about air travel.
Other notable European carriers include SAS (16th), British Airways (17th), Iberia (18th), Finnair (19th), and Lufthansa Group, which also includes SWISS (20th). Iberia has had a standout year, winning awards for on-time performance and customer service, marking the first time the airline made it to the top 25 safest list.
Europe’s Safest Low-Cost Airlines
When it comes to low-cost carriers, European airlines also performed exceptionally well. Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, placed 3rd globally, marking its position as the safest budget airline in Europe. With a flawless safety record over its 40-year history, Ryanair continues to prioritize safety above all else.
EasyJet, another major player, ranked 4th globally, making it the second safest low-cost airline in Europe. The UK-based carrier has been incident-free for 30 years, with a strong emphasis on regular safety checks and well-trained cabin crews.
Wizz Air, with its fleet of newer Airbus aircraft, claimed 7th place globally, securing its spot as the third safest low-cost airline in Europe. Like Ryanair and easyJet, Wizz Air has never had a fatal accident and continues to uphold a strong safety culture.
Other low-cost airlines in the top 25 include Norwegian (12th), Vueling (13th), Jet2 (14th), Eurowings (20th), and airBaltic, which narrowly made it to 25th. Both Jet2 and airBaltic saw a rise in their rankings, thanks to positive passenger feedback and a reputation for excellent customer service.
How Are These Rankings Determined?
AirlineRatings uses a thorough methodology to assess safety, relying on data points like the age of an airline’s fleet, the number of aircraft it operates, pilot training, and its incident history. The publication also consults with aviation experts and pilots to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Interestingly, the financial health of an airline plays a role in the rankings. While it may seem unconventional, airlines facing financial difficulties might be less able to invest in safety measures, maintenance, and upgrades, which can affect their safety standards.
Other factors include compliance with global safety standards like the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), both of which assess an airline’s safety management systems and operational practices.
This extensive research offers a clear picture of which airlines go above and beyond to ensure their passengers’ safety, so you can travel with confidence in 2025.