Vietnam Airlines has been recognized as one of the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026, ranking 19th by AirlineRatings. The evaluation emphasized safety standards, incident rates, and turbulence management. The airline continues to invest in technology and safety culture, demonstrating significant progress in global aviation while operating 107 routes across 21 countries.
Vietnam Airlines has been ranked among the world’s safest full-service airlines for 2026 by AirlineRatings, standing alongside global carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. The national flag carrier placed 19th in the annual assessment, reaffirming its steady progress in safety standards and operational performance.
The rankings evaluated 320 airlines worldwide using rigorous criteria, including incident rates relative to flight volume, fleet age, serious safety events, pilot training programs, and the results of comprehensive international safety audits. This year, AirlineRatings placed particular emphasis on turbulence management, one of the leading causes of passenger injuries.
Vietnam Airlines was recognised for its proactive approach to turbulence prevention, employing advanced weather forecasting and monitoring systems that integrate meteorological data with terrain analysis. These systems allow the airline to optimise flight operations and issue timely alerts to pilots, helping minimise turbulence-related risks and enhance passenger safety.
Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, noted that Vietnam Airlines’ position reflects consistent improvement across multiple dimensions, including fleet quality, safety systems, audit outcomes, very low incident rates, and overall operational reliability. She also highlighted strengthened aviation safety oversight in Vietnam following ICAO evaluations, benefiting both domestic and international carriers operating to and from the country.
Dinh Van Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said that cultivating a strong safety culture remains the foundation of sustainable aviation. He emphasised the airline’s ongoing investment in advanced technology, continuous risk assessments, staff training, and the refinement of operational procedures to meet international standards.
“Maintaining a position among the world’s top 25 safest full-service airlines demonstrates our ability to compete globally,” Tuan said. “With robust safety, quality, and governance systems, Vietnam Airlines continues to connect Vietnam with the world while projecting a reliable and professional national image.”
Vietnam Airlines currently operates 107 routes to 22 domestic destinations and 37 international destinations across 21 countries. Its modern fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, Airbus A321, and Airbus A320neo aircraft, is among the most fuel-efficient in Southeast Asia.
The airline became the first Southeast Asian carrier to join the SkyTeam alliance in 2010 and was the first Vietnamese airline to receive IATA’s IOSA certification in 2006, which it has maintained continuously. Its Safety Management System, established in 2007, meets international standards and has been recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam as a benchmark for domestic carriers.
In 2023, Vietnam Airlines was selected by IATA to host the World Safety and Operations Conference, underscoring both the airline’s influence and Vietnam’s growing prominence in global aviation. The carrier has also received numerous international accolades, including repeated Top 25 Safest Airlines and Top 20 Best Airlines rankings from AirlineRatings, five-star ratings from APEX, and consecutive four-star ratings from Skytrax.
AirlineRatings remains one of the world’s most trusted authorities on airline safety and service, with rankings widely regarded as global benchmarks comparable to Skytrax awards.
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