The Best and Worst Airline Safety Ratings

TL;DR:

Airline safety ratings consider accident history, maintenance practices, pilot training, and government audits.
Reputable airlines like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Alaska Airlines consistently rank high in safety.
Some airlines like Nepal Airlines and Air Algerie have lower safety ratings.
Ratings are a snapshot, so further research is recommended for lower-rated airlines.

For many flyers, safety is a top priority. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you make informed decisions. Airline safety ratings analyze the performance of airlines based on a variety of factors, offering valuable insights for travelers.

Today, we’ll help you identify airlines consistently ranked high or low in terms of safety. By understanding these ratings and the factors considered, you can make informed decisions when choosing your next flight.

Understanding Airline Safety Ratings

Airline safety ratings aren’t based on a simple pass/fail system. Instead, reputable organizations that rate airline safety use a complex methodology to evaluate an airline’s overall safety record. They generally consider several key factors:

Accident History: This is a major factor, with more weight given to recent accidents and incidents.
Maintenance Practices: This usually includes things like inspection schedules, parts replacement procedures, and the overall condition of the aircraft.
Pilot Training: Rigorous pilot training programs are crucial for safe operation, and these ratings take them into account.
Government and Industry Audits: Airlines undergo regular audits by government agencies and industry associations. The results of these audits factor into the safety ratings.

It’s important to remember that these ratings are a snapshot of an airline’s safety record at a given time. The industry is constantly evolving, so staying informed is key.

Top Airlines Rated by Safety

Here’s a breakdown of some airlines consistently recognized for their outstanding safety records:

Global Leaders

Air New Zealand: This carrier currently holds the title of safest airline in the world according to the aviation site Airline Ratings.
Qantas: The Australian flag carrier sits at a close second with a long history of safety excellence.
Other International Carriers: Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates are next in line for the safest airlines of 2024.

US Standouts

Alaska Airlines: Consistently ranking high on safety lists, Alaska Airlines is a strong choice for domestic travel in the US. While not the absolute top globally, it lands in the top 10.
Other Major US Carriers: Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines each made the top 25 safest airlines as well. It’s worth mentioning that American Airlines safety, along with the others listed, is well-regarded within the industry. They have a strong focus on pilot training and maintenance procedures.

While not on the specific list mentioned, Spirit Airlines safety also has a very positive record. They maintain a perfect safety record with no reported accidents and strictly follow all FAA regulations. However, Spirit is an ultra-low-cost carrier, so their focus on budget may affect some aspects of the passenger experience beyond safety.

Airlines Ranked Lower in Safety

While safety should always be a priority, some airlines may raise a red flag with their lower safety ratings. It’s important to be aware of these carriers, such as:

Nepal Airlines
Airblue (Pakistan)
Sriwijaya Air (Indonesia)
Blue Wing (Suriname)
Pakistan International Airlines
Air Algerie

This doesn’t necessarily mean you should never fly these airlines, but it does warrant further research. Maybe their aging fleet is being addressed, or their pilot training programs are undergoing improvements.