Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways has been crowned the World’s Safest Airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, the world’s leading airline safety and product rating authority. The recognition places Etihad at the top of the global safety rankings after a comprehensive evaluation of 320 airlines worldwide.
AirlineRatings.com’s annual World’s Safest Airline Rankings are based on a rigorous, data-driven methodology that assesses critical safety parameters, including incident rates, fleet age, pilot training standards, compliance with international audits, and advanced turbulence-prevention measures.
In a historic milestone, Etihad Airways has become the first Gulf carrier to secure the number one position in the full-service airline safety category, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence. The airline’s top ranking reflects several key strengths, including its young and modern fleet, state-of-the-art cockpit safety systems with enhanced turbulence management, a crash-free operational history, and the lowest incident rate per flight among all airlines evaluated.
Commenting on the achievement, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive one of the most respected airline safety awards in the world from AirlineRatings, an independent and globally recognised organisation. As the first Gulf carrier to achieve this position, it reflects the strength of our safety culture, the dedication of our people, and the aviation excellence of our region.”
He further added:
“This recognition is a reminder that safety is never achieved in isolation. Across aviation, airlines continuously share best practices and learn from experience, supported by a strong regulatory environment that sets demanding standards and pushes the bar higher. In the UAE, this regulatory framework challenges us to meet the highest levels of safety and operational excellence every day.”
The accolade further strengthens Etihad Airways’ position as a global leader in aviation safety, highlighting its continued investment in technology, training, and robust operational processes to ensure the highest standards of passenger and crew safety.
