Spain’s aviation industry has received global recognition, with Iberia and Vueling securing spots in the 2025 rankings of the world’s safest airlines.
The annual list, compiled by Airline Ratings, evaluates safety based on fleet age, profitability, and expert assessments.
Iberia breaks into the top 20 safest airlines
Iberia, Spain’s flagship carrier, made its debut in the top 20, securing 16th place. This recognition highlights the airline’s commitment to safety, supported by a modern fleet and rigorous operational standards. The list is dominated by Air New Zealand, which claimed the top spot, followed closely by Qantas. Other prominent airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, share third place.
No European airline features in the top nine. Turkish Airlines ranks highest among European carriers at 10th, with British Airways in 15th. Iberia’s inclusion in the rankings reflects its growing reputation for safety and efficiency in global aviation.
Vueling shines among low-cost airlines
Vueling, a key player in Europe’s low-cost airline market, ranked 13th in the category of safest low-cost airlines. Part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) alongside British Airways and Iberia, Vueling operates a fleet of over 120 aircraft and employs more than 4,000 crew members.
In this category, Hong Kong Express claimed the top spot, bolstered by rapid network expansion and increased fleet capacity. European competitors Ryanair and EasyJet ranked third and fourth, respectively, maintaining strong safety records with no reported fatalities. Jet2 followed at 12th, while Eurowings found itself at the bottom of the low-cost rankings.
Also read: Vueling implements facial recognition system at Spanish airports
Key criteria for safety rankings
Airline Ratings evaluates safety based on various metrics, including:
- Fleet age and size
- Incident rates and handling
- Profitability
- Fatality records
- IOSA certification
- Pilot training standards
- National ICAO audit performance
The way airlines manage incidents also plays a crucial role. For example, Japan Airlines’ effective handling of an in-flight emergency at Haneda last year improved its safety profile significantly.
A milestone for Spanish aviation
The recognition of Iberia and Vueling in the Airline Ratings list underscores Spain’s commitment to maintaining high aviation safety standards. While Iberia’s inclusion among the top 20 global airlines marks a milestone, Vueling’s performance in the low-cost category reinforces the strength of Spain’s aviation sector.
These achievements serve as a reminder that safety remains a top priority for airlines, even in a competitive and fast-evolving industry.