Etihad Airways has been recognised as the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings, coming out on top among 320 airlines from around the world. The ranking highlights Etihad’s strong focus on passenger safety and operational excellence.
Other airlines from the United Arab Emirates also performed well in the list. Emirates secured the fifth position globally, while flydubai was included among the Top 25 safest airlines. This strong showing reflects the UAE’s growing reputation as a global leader in aviation safety and quality.
AirlineRatings evaluated airlines using several important safety factors. These included the average age of aircraft fleets, past accident and incident records, the quality of pilot training programmes, how airlines handle turbulence, and results from independent safety audits.
Etihad’s top ranking was supported by its modern and well-maintained fleet, advanced cockpit safety systems, a crash-free operating history, and strict compliance with international turbulence management procedures. These elements combined to place the airline ahead of its global competitors.
The report also pointed out that the safety gap between the top-ranked airlines is very small. This shows that leading airlines around the world now operate at extremely high safety standards, giving passengers greater confidence when flying.
