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Top 10 Safest Airlines in the World With No Fatal Accidents
Air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation, and commercial aviation has become significantly safer over the past several decades. Strict international regulations, rigorous safety standards, advanced aircraft technology and increasingly sophisticated pilot training have all contributed to this remarkable safety record.
But while flying is exceptionally safe overall, some airlines have established particularly impressive safety records. In its 2026 safety ranking, AirlineRatings.com has highlighted airlines that stand out for their safety performance, operational standards, innovation and modern aircraft fleets. Among them are a small number of carriers that have maintained an exceptional record with no fatal accidents involving their passenger aircraft in the modern jet era.
Below are 10 major international airlines with impeccable safety records and no fatal crashes in the modern jet era. Listed alphabetically, these carriers have earned a reputation for exceptional aviation safety and are among the rare airlines that have never experienced a fatal passenger jet accident.
Think I missed one? Leave a comment.
EasyJet
EasyJet has built one of the world’s strongest aviation safety records since launching in 1995. The British low-cost carrier has grown into one of Europe’s largest airlines, operating hundreds of aircraft across an extensive network of European and North African destinations. Most importantly, despite recording a number of operational incidents over the years, easyJet has never experienced a passenger fatality in an accident involving one of its flights. The Aviation Safety Network’s accident database records numerous easyJet occurrences, including aircraft incidents and accidents, but with zero crashes and zero fatalities. The airline’s safety performance is also reflected in its 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings, while easyJet continues to operate a large Airbus A320-family fleet and, in 2026, is carrying millions of passengers across Europe and beyond. With its extensive European network, modern Airbus fleet and more than three decades without a fatal crash, easyJet has established itself as a remarkably trustworthy choice for safety-conscious travelers.
- Official website: easyJet
- Review: read here my review of easyJet’s Economy Class in an Airbus A320.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and one of the world’s leading international carriers. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the airline has built an extensive global network linking the Middle East with Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. Etihad operates a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has established an especially strong reputation for operational safety. Most notably, the airline has maintained a crash-free passenger history, with no fatal passenger crash since it began operations. This exceptional record remains one of the reasons Etihad is consistently regarded as one of the world’s safest airlines. Indeed, AirlineRatings.com named Etihad the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026, highlighting its crash-free history, young fleet, cockpit safety measures and exceptionally low incident rate. Beyond safety, Etihad is also renowned for its premium travel experience, including its Business Class and First Class products.
- Official website: Etihad Airways
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ The Residence in an Airbus A380.
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ First Class in an Airbus A380.
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A330.
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 777.
- Review: read here my review of Etihad Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 787.
Eva Air
EVA Air is Taiwan’s second-largest airline and has built an impressive international reputation for both service quality and aviation safety. Founded in 1989 and headquartered at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, the airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the Airbus A330, Airbus A321 and Boeing 777 on passenger routes. EVA Air serves an extensive network across Asia, Europe, North America and other international destinations and is also a five-star airline according to Skytrax. Its safety record is particularly noteworthy: EVA Air has maintained an exceptional history without a fatal passenger crash, contributing to its long-standing reputation as one of the safest airlines in the world. The carrier has also repeatedly appeared among the world’s safest airlines in independent industry rankings; AirlineRatings.com placed EVA Air eighth among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026. For travelers, this combination of impeccable safety credentials, modern aircraft and consistently high standards of onboard service makes EVA Air one of the most reassuring choices for long-haul international travel.
- Official website: EVA Air
- Review: read here my review of Eva Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 777.
Finnair
Finnair is the flag carrier of Finland and one of the world’s oldest continuously operating airlines, having been founded in 1923. Based at Helsinki Airport, the airline has developed Helsinki into an important European gateway, particularly for travel between Europe and Asia. Finnair operates a modern fleet comprising Airbus, Embraer and ATR aircraft and has long been associated with high operational standards and an excellent safety record. In the modern jet era, the airline has recorded no fatal passenger crashes, while its strong history of operational safety has repeatedly earned recognition from aviation analysts. Finnair’s appeal extends beyond safety: the airline is also known for its distinctive Nordic design, efficient service and premium Business Class experience. It has featured in my selections of the world’s best airline lounges and best Business Class amenity kits, while my own reviews include Finnair’s Airbus A350 and A330 Business Class cabins.
- Official website: Finnair
- Review: read here my review of Finnair’s Business Class in an Airbus A350.
- Review: read here my review of Finnair’s Business Class in an Airbus A330.
Hawaiian Airlines (now part of Alaska Airlines)
Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest and longest-serving airline, with a history dating back to 1929. Based in Honolulu, the carrier operates an extensive network connecting the Hawaiian Islands with the U.S. mainland, as well as destinations across Asia and the Pacific. In September 2024, Hawaiian Airlines was acquired by Alaska Air Group, bringing the two airlines together while preserving the Hawaiian Airlines brand and its distinctive Hawaiian identity. In October 2025, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines received a single FAA operating certificate, meaning they are now operated under the same regulatory certificate while continuing to maintain separate brands and guest experiences. Hawaiian’s safety history remains particularly impressive: the airline has maintained an exceptional record with no fatal passenger crash in its history, contributing to its long-standing reputation as one of the world’s safest airlines. Its combination of an impeccable safety record, extensive experience operating across the Pacific and distinctive Hawaiian hospitality makes Hawaiian Airlines a particularly reassuring choice for travelers.
- Official website: Hawaiian Airlines
- Review: read here my review of Hawaiian Airlines’ Business Class in an Airbus A330.
JetBlue
JetBlue is a major U.S. airline that began operations in 2000 and is headquartered in New York. From the outset, the carrier sought to differentiate itself from traditional low-cost airlines by combining competitive fares with a more comfortable passenger experience, including generous legroom and extensive inflight entertainment. JetBlue operates a fleet centered on Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, together with Embraer E190s, serving destinations throughout the United States, Caribbean and Latin America. From a safety perspective, JetBlue has maintained an impressive record with no fatal passenger crash in its history. Its strong record has also been reflected in independent aviation safety assessments. AirlineRatings.com included JetBlue among its 2025 safest low-cost airlines, ranking it 17th globally, and again included it in the 2026 list. Although JetBlue is primarily known for its value-oriented approach, its combination of a strong safety history, modern aircraft and passenger-friendly amenities makes it an interesting choice for travelers who want a less traditional low-cost flying experience without compromising on safety.
- Official website: Jetblue
Qantas
Qantas is perhaps the airline most famously associated with aviation safety. Founded in Queensland in 1920, the Australian flag carrier is one of the world’s oldest airlines and has developed a global reputation for operational excellence. Qantas operates an extensive domestic and international network with a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has accumulated an extraordinary number of aviation milestones throughout its long history. Most importantly for travelers, Qantas has maintained an impeccable fatal passenger crash record in the modern jet era, helping establish its reputation as one of the world’s safest airlines. Qantas’s safety reputation even became part of popular culture through the 1988 film Rain Man, in which Dustin Hoffman’s character, Raymond Babbitt, refuses to fly with most airlines because of his fear of flying, but makes an exception for Qantas, famously declaring: “Qantas. Qantas never crashed.” While the line was a memorable simplification of the airline’s safety history, it reflected the extraordinary reputation Qantas had already established. Beyond safety, Qantas is also renowned for its premium cabins and long-haul service.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has grown from a relatively young airline founded in 1997 into one of the world’s most respected international carriers. Based at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the airline operates an extensive global network connecting the Middle East with destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and Oceania. Qatar Airways has earned numerous international awards and is one of the select airlines to hold a five-star Skytrax rating. Safety has also been central to the airline’s development. Qatar Airways was an early participant in the IATA Operational Safety Audit and achieved full compliance, demonstrating its commitment to internationally recognized operational safety standards. The carrier has also maintained an impeccable record without a fatal passenger crash in the modern jet era, helping reinforce its position among the world’s safest airlines. AirlineRatings.com ranked Qatar Airways fourth among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026.
- Official website: Qatar Airways
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ First Class in an Airbus A380.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A350.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 787.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 777.
- Review: read here my review of Qatar Airways’ Business Class in an A330.
Rynair
Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost airline by scheduled passenger numbers and one of the world’s biggest carriers by flight volume. Founded in Ireland, the airline transformed European air travel through its low-cost operating model and has built an enormous network connecting hundreds of destinations across the continent. Ryanair operates a large fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and conducts thousands of flights every day, making its long-term safety performance particularly significant. Despite its no-frills approach and highly efficient operating model, Ryanair has maintained an exceptionally strong passenger safety record, with no fatal passenger crash in the period covered by the original article. The airline has also consistently performed well in independent safety assessments. AirlineRatings.com ranked Ryanair third among the world’s safest low-cost airlines in 2025 and 18th in its 2026 low-cost ranking. For an airline operating on such a vast scale, this combination of high flight frequency, a standardized fleet and an excellent fatality record makes Ryanair one of the most notable examples of safety within Europe’s low-cost aviation sector.
- Official website: Ryanair
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation, customer service and a distinctive approach to long-haul flying at the heart of its brand. Today, the airline operates an extensive network from the United Kingdom, with London Heathrow as its principal hub, alongside services from other UK airports. Virgin Atlantic has developed a particularly strong reputation for its Upper Class cabin, lounges and innovative onboard service, but its safety history is equally noteworthy. Since its launch, the airline has never experienced a fatal passenger plane crash, giving it one of the most impressive safety records among long-haul carriers. This record remains intact today, and AirlineRatings.com ranked Virgin Atlantic 13th among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026. The airline’s combination of an impeccable fatality-free passenger record, extensive long-haul experience and distinctive premium product makes it a particularly compelling choice for travelers flying between Europe and North America.
- Official website: Virgin Atlantic
- Review: read here my review of Virgin Atlantic’s Business Class in an Airbus A350.
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