Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been ranked first in independent industry authority Airline Ratings’ 2026 list of the World’s Safest Full-Service Airlines, marking the first time a Gulf carrier has secured the number one global position.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ CEO, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive one of the most respected airline safety awards in the world from AirlineRatings, an independent, globally recognised organisation. As the first Gulf carrier to achieve this position, it reflects the strength of our safety culture, the dedication of our people, and the aviation excellence of our region.
“This recognition is a reminder that safety is never achieved in isolation. Across aviation, airlines continuously share best practices and learn from experience, supported by a strong regulatory environment that sets demanding standards and pushes the bar higher. In the UAE, this regulatory framework challenges us to meet the highest levels of safety and operational excellence every day.”
Sharon Petersen, CEO of Airline Ratings, said: “Etihad achieved this through a combination of factors: a young fleet, advancements in cockpit safety, particularly around turbulence, a crash-free history, and the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on the list. The airline also participated in our independent onboard safety audit and demonstrated excellent adherence to turbulence management in the cabin.”
