Safest airlines to travel around the world in 2023, and how they were rated. Would the home country of an airline influence its safety and security rating?
Safety is aviation’s highest priority, cited the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is the “foundation that underpins the way the airline business is run,” quoted the National Airlines Council of Canada website.
The top 20 safest airlines for 2023 were chosen from 385 different airlines that AirlinesRatings.com monitors. According to the editors, they were analyzed based on:
- Crashes over five years
- Serious incidents over two years
- Audits from aviation’s governing bodies and lead associations
- Fleet age, expert analysis of pilot training
- COVID protocols
The above are key factors to help reduce your travel risks while in the air and on land.
AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas is quoted saying, “our Top Twenty Safest Airlines are all standouts in the industry and are at the forefront of safety, innovation, and launching of new aircraft.” Thomas said the “margins between these top twenty airlines are very small, they are all outstanding airlines.”
Top 20 Safest International Airlines in Numerical Order and 2022 Comparison
| Ranking | 2023 | 2022 |
| 1. | Qantas | Air New Zealand |
| 2. | Air New Zealand | Etihad Airways |
| 3. | Etihad Airways | Qatar Airways |
| 4. | Qatar Airways | Singapore Airlines |
| 5. | Singapore Airlines | TAP Air Portugal |
| 6. | TAP Air Portugal | SAS |
| 7. | Emirates | Qantas |
| 8. | Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines |
| 9. | EVA Air | EVA Air |
| 10. | Virgin Australia/Atlantic | Virgin Australia/Atlantic |
| 11. | Cathay Pacific Airways | Cathay Pacific Airways |
| 12. | Hawaiian Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines |
| 13. | SAS | American Airlines |
| 14. | United Airlines | Lufthansa |
| 15. | Lufthansa/Swiss Group | Finnair |
| 16. | Finnair | Air France/KLM |
| 17. | British Airways | British Airways |
| 18. | KLM | Delta Air Lines |
| 19. | American Airlines | United Airlines |
| 20. | Delta Air Lines | Emirates |
Related: 2021 Safest Airlines: American carriers make a comeback
Qantas Airways recaptured their top spot this year after losing several spots to its competitors in 2022. Qantas was chosen because of its 100-year operational history as the world’s oldest continuously operating airline.
It also has an “amazing record of firsts in operations and safety”, which is now “accepted as the industry’s most experienced airline”.
American Airlines made the top 20 list this year. Alaska Airlines, EVA Air, Virgin Australia/Atlantic, Cathay Pacific Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and British Airways retained their spots for 2022 and 2023.
Top Ten Safest Low Cost Carriers in Alphabetical Order
Southwest Airlines launched the low cost airline concept in the 1970s. Since then, the growth of no frills, low cost airlines has skyrocketed, especially in last two decades on short-haul routes.
With greater demand for budget travel for the masses, low cost carriers are embarking on bold ventures to more established and longer haul routes.
The top ten safest low cost airlines, in alphabetical order:
- Air Arabia
- AirAsia Group
- Allegiant
- Air Baltic
- easyjet
- FlyDubai
- Frontier
- Jetstar Group
- Jetblue
- Indigo
- Ryanair
- Scoot
- Southwest
- Spicejet
- Spirit
- Vueling
- Vietjet
- Volaris
- Westjet
- Wizz
Airline’s Country of Origin and Influence on Traveller’s Choice
Passenger safety begins even before boarding an aircraft. It starts the moment a passenger arrives at the airport to check in. Security and perception of the airline’s home country does influence the traveller’s choice of air carrier.
An airline with the latest fleet, best mechanics and preventative maintenance practices is not necessary the safest airline in the world, cited Travel Security Handbook author, Sven Leidel.
“The country of origin often contributes to the safety, or at least the perception of security, for the airline.” Leidel cited El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. as an example.
Even though many may not like Israel, they consider the national flag carrier to be the safest airline in the world. El Al “has some of the most stringent passenger, baggage and maintenance screening requirements of any airline in the world.”
Some of the most risky airlines to travel with are those national air carriers of many undeveloped countries. These airlines often do not meet international aviation safety standards, particularly some of the African based carriers.
Naturally, personal convenience, comfort and budget should be considered along with an airline’s safety and security practices. This may include seat type and location, cabin service, onboard meals and entertainment, transit time and connectivity to final destinations.
