This year’s rankings reveal a diverse mix of airlines, ranging from lean low-cost operators to full-service global brands.
Etihad
Etihad Airways has restarted flights from Abu Dhabi to 70 global destinations under a temporary schedule running from March 6 to March 19 as regional airspace operations gradually stabilise.
Emirates (EK) was forced to disrupt inbound services to Dubai International Airport (DXB) after Iranian missiles and drones targeted the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Etihad Airways (EY) will deploy its Airbus A380 on daily flights between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from 25 October 2026, marking the aircraft’s first scheduled service to Thailand.
Etihad Airways (EY) has officially ended Airbus A380 operations on six international routes from its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), marking a significant shift in its long-haul network strategy.
Etihad Airways reported its strongest-ever annual performance in 2025, carrying 22.4 million passengers and posting a 47 per cent rise in net profit.
In 2026, Airline Ratings once again analysed full-service carriers across the globe, examining fleet age, pilot training, incident records, international audit compliance, and overall safety management systems.
A passenger on Etihad Airways flight EY5 from Abu Dhabi to Washington Dulles faces up to 20 years in prison after allegedly kicking and shoving flight attendants during a mid-flight disturbance, triggering federal charges under US law.
UAE-based airlines are accelerating expansion in 2026 with new destinations across Europe, North America, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Etihad leads 2026 safest airline rankings as AirlineRatings evaluates global carriers on fleet, audits, and safety systems.