These are Europe’s safest airlines in 2026

If the thought of flying still makes you uneasy, you’re not alone. Despite commercial aviation being statistically safer than ever, a series of widely reported incidents over the past year has shaken confidence for many passengers.

So which airlines are actually the safest to fly with in 2026?

A new global ranking from aviation watchdog AirlineRatings has crunched the numbers, analysing safety data from more than 320 airlines worldwide. The result is its annual list of the 25 safest airlines on the planet – and Europe has a strong showing.

Seven European carriers made the cut this year, proving that even as air travel gets busier, safety standards on the continent remain impressively high.

Europe’s safest airlines: familiar names at the top

Leading the European pack once again is Turkish Airlines, which ranks 12th globally, making it the safest airline in Europe for 2026. Operating from its massive hub in Istanbul, the airline now flies to more countries than any other carrier in the world – a scale that makes its safety record even more notable.

Its last fatal commercial accident dates back to 2009, when a Boeing 737 crashed while attempting to land at Amsterdam Schiphol. Since then, Turkish Airlines has expanded rapidly while maintaining a clean safety sheet, earning it consistent praise from industry analysts.

Close behind is Virgin Atlantic, which takes 13th place worldwide. Since launching in 1984, the British airline has never recorded a fatal crash, a statistic that continues to reassure long-haul passengers. Interestingly, its sister airline Virgin Australia actually ranks higher overall, coming in ninth globally.

Other European carriers appearing in the top 25 include TAP Air Portugal (16th), SAS Scandinavian Airlines (17th), British Airways (18th), Iberia (20th) and Lufthansa (21st). While none of them top the global leaderboard, their inclusion reflects long-term consistency rather than short-term luck.

Low-cost doesn’t mean low safety

Budget airlines often get an unfair reputation when it comes to safety, but this year’s figures tell a different story. AirlineRatings also publishes a separate ranking for low-cost carriers, and European airlines account for 40 per cent of that list.

The standout is easyJet, ranked fifth worldwide among low-cost airlines. Founded in 1995, the UK-based carrier has never suffered a fatal accident, despite operating one of the busiest short-haul networks in Europe.

Not far behind are airBaltic in seventh place and Wizz Air in ninth. Holiday-focused airlines also perform well, with TUI ranked 11th and Vueling 12th. Further down the list sit Norwegian, Jet2, Ryanair, Transavia and Eurowings, all of which meet the strict safety criteria required to be included.

For passengers watching both their budget and their nerves, the takeaway is simple: a cheaper ticket doesn’t automatically mean a riskier flight.

How the ranking is decided – and why it matters

AirlineRatings’ methodology goes far beyond headline accidents. Each airline is scored using a seven-star safety system, and only those with the maximum rating qualify for the top 25.

The assessment looks at serious pilot-related incidents, fatal accidents over the past ten years, fleet age, and results from major international safety audits, including those carried out by IATA, ICAO, and the US Federal Aviation Administration.

For the first time in 2026, airlines were also judged on their participation in IATA’s Turbulence Aware programme, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on preventing injuries caused by sudden turbulence.

Importantly, events linked to terrorism, hijackings or third-party actions are excluded, keeping the focus firmly on operational safety.

According to AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen, the differences between airlines are now smaller than ever. While every airline on the list has dealt with minor incidents in recent years, the actual rate per flight remains extremely low – a figure she says highlights just how safe modern aviation has become.

The top 25 full-service airlines for 2026

Etihad

Cathay Pacific

Qantas

Qatar

Emirates

Air New Zealand

Singapore Airlines

EVA Air

Virgin Australia

Korean Air

STARLUX

Turkish Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

ANA

Alaska Airlines

TAP Air Portugal

SAS

British Airways

Vietnam Airlines

Iberia

Lufthansa

Air Canada

Delta2

American Airlines3

Fiji Airways

The top 25 safest low-cost airlines for 2026

HK Express

Jetstar Airways

Scoot

flydubai (Now considered a full-service airline and will be assessed accordingly in future publications.)

EasyJet Group

Southwest

airBaltic

VietJet Air

Wizz Air Group

AirAsia Group4

TUI UK

Vueling

Norwegian

JetBlue

FlyNAS

Cebu Pacific

Jet2

Ryanair Ireland and UK5

Spring Airlines China

Transavia Group

Eurowings Group

Volaris6

WestJet Group

GOL

SKY Airline Chile

The bottom line for travellers

This year’s overall winner may be Etihad Airways, marking the first time a Gulf carrier has topped the global ranking, but Europe’s strong presence confirms that passengers flying to, from or within the continent are in safe hands.

For nervous flyers, the list offers reassurance. For frequent travellers, it’s a reminder that safety excellence is now the industry norm rather than the exception.

Whether you’re boarding a full-service long-haul flight or hopping on a low-cost carrier for a weekend break, Europe’s airlines continue to prove that safety remains their top priority – quietly, consistently, and often without making headlines.

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