Safest airlines to travel around the world in 2024. Explore how travel safety rankings reveal insights into airline safety, and how the carrier’s country of origin shapes travellers’ perceptions and choices.
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 2024 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, lead associations and governments
- Fleet age, aircrew training
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, “these airlines are standouts in the industry and are at the forefront of safety, innovation, and launching of new aircraft.”
Thomas said the “it was an extremely close tussle between Air New Zealand and Qantas with only 1.50 points between the two airlines, with fleet age just tipping Qantas off the top spot.”
Top 20 Safest International Airlines in Numerical Order and Yearly Comparison
| Rank | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 1. | Air New Zealand | Qantas | Air New Zealand |
| 2. | Qantas | Air New Zealand | Etihad Airways |
| 3. | Virgin Australia | Etihad Airways | Qatar Airways |
| 4. | Etihad Airways | Qatar Airways | Singapore Airlines |
| 5. | Qatar Airways | Singapore Airlines | TAP Air Portugal |
| 6. | Emirates | TAP Air Portugal | SAS |
| 7. | All Nippon Airways | Emirates | Qantas |
| 8. | Finnair | Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines |
| 9. | Cathay Pacific Airways | EVA Air | EVA Air |
| 10. | Alaska Airlines | Virgin Australia/Atlantic | Virgin Australia/Atlantic |
| 11. | SAS | Cathay Pacific Airways | Cathay Pacific Airways |
| 12. | Korean Air | Hawaiian Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines |
| 13. | Singapore Airlines | SAS | American Airlines |
| 14. | EVA Air | United Airlines | Lufthansa |
| 15. | British Airways | Lufthansa/Swiss Group | Finnair |
| 16. | Turkish Airlines, | Finnair | Air France/KLM |
| 17. | TAP Air Portugal | British Airways | British Airways |
| 18. | Lufthansa/
Swiss Group |
KLM | Delta Air Lines |
| 19. | KLM | American Airlines | United Airlines |
| 20. | Japan Airlines | Delta Air Lines | Emirates |
Related: 2021 Safest Airlines: American carriers make a comeback
Air New Zealand has reclaimed its title as the top safest airline of the year after losing to Qantas Airways in 2023, showcasing its commitment to safety and service excellence.
Virgin Australia made a remarkable jump to 3rd place from 10th, reflecting significant safety improvements. Meanwhile, Finnair climbed to 8th after being ranked 16th last year.
All Nippon Airways achieved the most notable turnaround, securing 7th place after not making the top 20 in 2023.
These shifts highlight a dynamic aviation landscape as airlines continues to enhance their safety standards and restore passenger confidence.
Top Ten Safest Low Cost Carriers in Numerical 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 for 2024, in order:
- Jetstar
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- Wizz Air
- Norwegian
- Frontier
- Vueling
- Vietjet
- Southwest
- Volaris
- flydubai
- AirAsia Group
- Cebu Pacific
- Sun Country
- Spirit
- Westjet
- JetBlue
- Air Arabia
- Indigo
- Eurowings
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.
Published: January 07, 2023 | Updated: October 07, 2024
