Etihad Airways Crowned as the Safest Airline Globally for the First Time
Etihad Airways has etched its name in aviation history by becoming the first Gulf carrier to secure the top spot in AirlineRatings.com‘s esteemed World’s Safest Airlines list for 2026. This monumental achievement is the result of several factors, including a modern fleet, advancements in cockpit safety—especially in turbulence management—a flawless crash-free history, and the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on the list.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings.com, revealed that this year’s rankings put a greater emphasis on turbulence prevention, which continues to be the leading cause of in-flight injuries. Etihad Airways also underwent an independent onboard safety audit and showcased excellent compliance with turbulence management in the cabin.
Other airlines that made it to the top five include Emirates and Qatar Airways, securing the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific clinched the second place, while Australia’s Qantas settled for the third spot. The ranking evaluated 320 airlines worldwide based on criteria such as fleet age, pilot training, incident rates, and participation in safety programs like IATA’s Turbulance Aware programme.
Source: The National News