When planning international travel in 2027, airline safety is an important consideration. Travelers can look at independent safety assessments, operational standards, pilot training, fleet information, incident history, and international safety audits when comparing airlines.
The official 2027 AirlineRatings safety ranking is not available yet, so this guide uses the latest published 2026 AirlineRatings ranking as a reference for airlines travelers may want to consider for 2027. AirlineRatings evaluated factors including incident rates, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training, international safety audits, turbulence-management practices, and operational transparency.
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1. Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways was listed first among AirlineRatings' 2026 safest full-service airlines. The assessment considered its relatively young fleet, cockpit-safety improvements, turbulence-management practices, and incident record.
Travelers considering Etihad for 2027 can check the airline's latest safety information and operating details before booking.
2. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific was second in AirlineRatings' 2026 full-service safety ranking. The Hong Kong-based airline operates a large international network connecting Asia with destinations around the world.
Its position in the 2026 assessment makes it another airline to watch when researching flights for 2027.
3. Qantas
Qantas ranked third in AirlineRatings' 2026 full-service safety list. The Australian airline operates domestic and international services and has a long history of long-distance aviation.
For 2027 travel planning, passengers should check the latest safety and operational information when making a booking.
4. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways ranked fourth in the 2026 AirlineRatings full-service safety assessment.
The airline operates an extensive international network through its Doha hub and is frequently used by travelers flying between Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
5. Emirates
Emirates ranked fifth in AirlineRatings' 2026 list of safest full-service airlines.
Based in Dubai, Emirates operates a large international network and is an important airline for travelers connecting through the Middle East.
Airlines, Travel, Vacation
6. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand was sixth in the 2026 Airline Ratings full-service safety ranking.
The airline provides connections throughout New Zealand and to international destinations across the Pacific, Asia, North America, and other regions.
7. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines ranked seventh in the 2026 assessment.
Airline Ratings noted that Singapore Airlines returned to its 2026 safest-airlines list after being excluded from the previous year's ranking following a serious turbulence-related incident. Its inclusion followed a review of its safety and training operations.
8. EVA Air
EVA Air ranked eighth among Airline Ratings' 2026 safest full-service airlines.
The Taiwan-based carrier operates international services across Asia, Europe, North America, and other destinations.
Its 2026 ranking makes it another airline travelers may consider when researching international flights for 2027.
9. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia ranked ninth in the 2026 full-service safety assessment.
The airline operates services within Australia and to selected international destinations. Travelers should review the current operating information and flight details before booking their 2027 trip.
10. Korean Air
Korean Air completed the top 10 of Airline Ratings' 2026 full-service safety ranking.
The South Korean carrier operates a broad international network and provides connections between Korea and destinations throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions.
What Makes an Airline Safe?
Airline safety involves much more than one ranking. Travelers can consider several factors when researching an airline:
International Safety Audits
The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is an internationally recognized system for evaluating an airline's operational management and control systems. IATA says its IOSA program transitioned to a risk-based model in 2024, with audits tailored to the specific risks of each airline.
Pilot Training
Pilot training and recurrent training are important components of airline safety operations. Independent safety assessments may consider the airline's training programs and operational procedures.
Aircraft and Fleet
Fleet age can be one factor in safety assessments, but an aircraft's age by itself does not determine whether an airline is safe. Maintenance programs, regulatory oversight, engineering practices, and operational procedures are also important.
Incident History
Travelers can review an airline's historical incident record, while remembering that not every incident has the same level of seriousness or meaning for overall aviation safety.
Are These the Safest Airlines for 2027?
Not necessarily. 2027 rankings should be treated separately when they are published.
Airline safety changes over time, and rankings use different methodologies. Airline Ratings itself emphasizes that the differences between the highest-ranked airlines in its 2026 list were very small and says the ranking should not be interpreted as meaning that one leading airline is dramatically safer than another.
For this reason, the airlines listed above are better described as leading airlines identified by the latest available safety assessment, rather than guaranteed "top 10 safest airlines of 2027."
Tips for Choosing an Airline in 2027
Before booking your flight, consider:
Check the latest airline safety information.
Look for recognized international safety audits.
Review the airline's current operating status.
Compare the airline's route and aircraft information.
Check current government travel or aviation notices when relevant.
Review the airline's baggage, cancellation, and connection policies.
Compare the total ticket cost rather than only the advertised fare.
Final Thoughts
Airline safety is one of the most important factors travelers can research before an international trip. The latest 2026 Airline Ratings assessment placed Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Virgin Australia, and Korean Air among its top 10 full-service airlines.
However, the official 2027 rankings may change. Travelers planning trips in 2027 should check the latest available safety assessments and airline information closer to their departure date.
