Airline Ratings has released its 2026 safety rankings, reviewing 320 airlines worldwide across full-service and low-cost categories. The annual assessment looks at long-term safety performance rather than isolated incidents, using data such as operational history, training standards, fleet profile and participation in international safety programmes.
This year’s results again show how closely grouped the leading airlines are, with Hong Kong carriers leading both categories, as HK Express ranked first among low-cost airlines and Cathay placed second in the full-service category, underlining the narrow margins separating the top positions.
Top 10 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2026
- Etihad
- Cathay
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Air New Zealand
- Singapore Airlines
- EVA Air
- Virgin Australia
- Korean Air
Full-service airlines at the top of the ranking demonstrate consistent safety records across large fleets and complex global operations, with increasing emphasis placed on turbulence management and cockpit procedures.
Top 10 Safest Low-Cost Airlines 2026
- HK Express
- Jetstar Airways
- Scoot
- flydubai
- easyJet Group
- Southwest
- airBaltic
- VietJet Air
- Wizz Air Group
- AirAsia Group
Low-cost carriers continue to strengthen their safety profiles through newer aircraft, strict reporting standards and improved operational oversight, reinforcing the narrowing gap between different airline business models.
Still in the news, Cathay is also marking its 80th anniversary with the return of an iconic aircraft livery, vintage cabin crew uniforms and a range of heritage-inspired merchandise, as the airline highlights its long-standing history and brand identity.
Header Image Credit : HK Express / Cathay Pacific