Etihad Airways named world’s safest full-service airline for 2026
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Etihad Airways has been ranked the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, marking a historic milestone for the global aviation industry and the Gulf region.
It is the first time a Gulf carrier has secured the No. 1 position in AirlineRatings.com’s annual safety rankings, which evaluate more than 320 airlines worldwide based on operational safety, incident history, fleet age, and advanced safety practices.
Why Etihad topped the global rankings
AirlineRatings.com cited several key factors behind Etihad’s top ranking:
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Young, modern fleet: Etihad operates one of the industry’s youngest and best-maintained fleets, reducing mechanical and operational risk.
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Flawless safety record: The airline has maintained a crash-free history with zero fatal accidents since its launch.
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Lowest incident rate: Etihad recorded the lowest incident rate per flight among all airlines assessed in the 2026 study.
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Advanced cockpit technology: Particular praise was given to Etihad’s proactive turbulence management systems, a major focus area as turbulence remains a leading cause of in-flight injuries globally.
Strong showing by Gulf carriers
The 2026 rankings highlight how narrow safety margins have become at the top of global aviation, reflecting exceptionally high industry standards. Other Gulf and international airlines also performed strongly:
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2nd: Cathay Pacific
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3rd: Qantas
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4th: Qatar Airways
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5th: Emirates
Former two-time leader Air New Zealand, which topped the rankings in 2024 and 2025, placed sixth this year.
A milestone for Middle East aviation
Etihad’s achievement reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global aviation hub and reflects years of investment in aircraft technology, pilot training, operational excellence, and a safety-first culture.
As air travel demand continues to surge worldwide, the ranking positions Etihad not just as a premium carrier but as a global benchmark for airline safety in 2026.
