In an aviation milestone that is turning heads worldwide, a national carrier of the United Arab Emirates based in Abu Dhabi, has been named the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, beating out more than 320 global competitors and relegating even the region’s famed Emirates to a lower spot on the list. This marks the first time a Gulf carrier has claimed the very top spot in the annual safety rankings, underscoring the UAE’s rising influence in global aviation safety and operations.The annual AirlineRatings list, considered one of the most trusted benchmarks in global aviation, assesses carriers not by popularity or luxury branding but by incident history, fleet age, pilot training, international audits and other rigorous safety metrics, including a new emphasis on turbulence prevention efforts and onboard real-time response protocols.
UAE airline that surpasses the giants: Why it topped the 2026 safety list
Etihad’s ascent to the top spot comes as a surprise to some travellers accustomed to seeing names like Emirates and Qatar Airways dominate headline space but it is no accident. AirlineRatings credited Etihad’s young, modern fleet, advanced cockpit safety systems, a crash-free history, strong turbulence management and the lowest incident rate per flight among all carriers assessed this year. These factors combined to propel the Abu Dhabi carrier to the number one position in 2026.
Etihad Turns Surprise Winner: This Abu Dhabi Airline Beat 320 Rivals to Be Crowned World’s Safest
In contrast, Emirates, which has been long celebrated for its luxury service, global reach and cabin experience, ranked fifth among full-service airlines in the safety rankings, while other UAE carriers like flydubai earned spots among the top low-cost safety performers.
What the safety ranking really means for travellers
Safety rankings like the 2026 AirlineRatings list are more than just badges of honour. They reflect deep operational excellence in areas that matter most to passengers:
- Pilot and crew training quality
- Fleet maintenance standards
- Accident and incident history
- Response to turbulence and in-flight risks
- Audit compliance with international safety authorities
Unlike awards based on luxury or service, these safety rankings assess measurable operational performance. This means that travellers choosing Etihad can fly with confidence that the airline has consistently met or exceeded some of the strictest industry benchmarks available.
UAE continues to lead in aviation safety reputation
Etihad’s achievement is not an isolated success; it is part of a broader pattern of strong safety performance among UAE carriers. In 2025, multiple UAE airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia, featured prominently on safety “Top 25” lists, reinforcing the country’s reputation for airline safety excellence.The UAE’s aviation sector benefits from stringent regulatory oversight, rigorous pilot and crew standards, ongoing investment in modern aircraft and safety systems and participation in international safety initiatives. These factors help explain why Gulf carriers continue to shine on the world stage.
Safety first, Etihad takes the crown
In 2026, Etihad Airways did not just rank among the world’s safest airlines, it topped the entire list and distinguished itself with a crash-free record, advanced safety systems and industry-leading practices that outshine competitors. For global travellers and frequent flyers alike, this marks a compelling moment in aviation history, showcasing that excellence in safety can go head-to-head with excellence in service.
From Abu Dhabi to the World: How UAE Airline Etihad Became the Safest on Earth
For travellers planning international journeys in 2026 and beyond, Etihad’s number-one safety ranking provides an added incentive to consider Abu Dhabi as both a destination and a hub for global travel. Choosing an airline with top safety credentials can be especially reassuring for long-haul flights, family travel, business trips and holiday bookings alike.Meanwhile, loyalty to brands like Emirates and other highly ranked Gulf carriers remains strong thanks to their service, network connectivity and passenger experience accolades but the distinction of “world’s safest airline” can carry both peace of mind and marketing weight.
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