Which two Canadian carriers made the 2026 world's safest airlines list?
Key Points
- 1Air Canada secured the No. 22 spot on the 2026 full-service safest airlines list, falling from No. 20 last year.
- 2WestJet earned the No. 23 spot among the world's safest low-cost carriers, a drop from its previous No. 16 ranking.
- 3Etihad Airways was ranked the safest full-service airline globally, driven by a modern fleet and the lowest incident rate per flight.
- 4The 2026 ranking methodology placed a new, greater emphasis on turbulence prevention measures.
A new industry report has revealed the world's safest airlines for 2026. Two major Canadian air carriers earned spots on this prestigious list.
AirlineRatings.com, a global safety and product rating website, released the new rankings. The report names the top 25 safest full-service and low-cost airlines. This annual assessment monitors 320 airlines worldwide.
The 2026 Safest Full-Service Airlines
Air Canada, the nation’s largest carrier, secured the No. 22 spot. This position is a slight drop from its No. 20 ranking last year. AirlineRatings.com noted the carrier’s diverse aircraft fleet. This fleet serves various routes, from short domestic trips to long-haul international flights. Air Canada also emphasizes maintaining a modern fleet.
The top spot went to the United Arab Emirates’ Etihad Airways. This marks the first time a Gulf carrier has ranked No. 1. Etihad's achievement was due to several factors. These include a young, modern fleet and advancements in cockpit safety. The airline also has a crash-free history. Etihad recorded the lowest incident rate per flight on the 2026 list. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific took the No. 2 spot. Australia’s Qantas Airways ranked third overall.
Safest Low-Cost Carrier Rankings
Calgary-based WestJet earned the No. 23 spot among low-cost airlines. This ranking also represents a slide from the previous year’s No. 16 position. WestJet was highlighted for its diverse fleet. This fleet handles both short-haul and long-haul routes. The company’s commitment to a reliable, modern fleet was noted.
Topping the safest low-cost list was Hong Kong’s HK Express. HK Express was praised for its modern fleet and low incident rate. It also had an almost flawless onboard safety audit. Australia’s Jetstar Airways came in at No. 2. Singapore’s Scoot placed third in the low-cost category.
Methodology and Safety Margins
AirlineRatings.com uses consistent criteria for its rankings. Factors considered include incident rates, adjusted for total flights. The age of an airline's fleet is also a key factor. Pilot training and international safety audits are assessed.
For 2026, the methodology placed a greater emphasis on turbulence prevention. Turbulence remains the leading cause of in-flight injuries. This includes considering an airline’s participation in the IATA Turbulence Aware program.
The ranking site stressed the narrow margins between the safest airlines. Less than four points separated positions one through 14. Minor numerical differences should not be seen as safety gaps. All airlines in the Top 25 are considered world leaders in aviation safety. This highlights the overall strength of global commercial aviation safety.
Stay ahead of the airline industry with commercial aviation news from flying.flights.
Topics
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
View ProfileYou Might Also Like
Air Canada and WestJet Settle into SAN's New Terminal 1: What It Means for Travelers.
Air Canada and WestJet completed their move to the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN), marking a key milestone in the airport's expansion project.
Etihad Airways Claims Top Spot as World's Safest Airline, Qantas Slips to Third
Etihad Airways is named the world's safest airline for 2026 by Airlineratings.com, becoming the first Gulf carrier to top the list as Qantas drops to third.
Did WestJet Executives Approve Tight Boeing 737 Seats Before Backlash?
WestJet executives tested the new 28-inch pitch Boeing 737 seats weeks before a passenger backlash, finding the high-density configuration "generally acceptable."
Which US Airlines Have the Safest Drinking Water on Planes?
A new study ranking US airline water quality found Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines safest, while American Airlines and JetBlue scored lowest, raising concerns about the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule enforcement.
Canadian Airlines Cut U.S. Flights, Pivot to Caribbean and South America
Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, are significantly cutting U.S. flight capacity, shifting focus to the Caribbean and South America amid changing passenger travel trends.
Does WestJet's 28-inch seat pitch violate passenger safety standards?
WestJet's new aircraft layout, featuring a 28-inch seat pitch, sparked passenger rights concerns, leading to calls for Transport Canada to mandate minimum seating regulations.