Etihad Airways and Emirates have secured positions among the world’s top 10 airlines for 2026, according to AirlineRatings, a leading aviation safety and product rating organization. The prestigious ranking highlights the continued excellence of UAE-based carriers in delivering superior passenger experiences and maintaining operational standards despite regional challenges. Both airlines also retained their advanced seven-star safety ratings, demonstrating their commitment to passenger security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
AirlineRatings announced that its annual rankings focus on measurable criteria related to onboard products and passenger experiences rather than public opinion or voting. The top 25 list includes three Gulf carriers: Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, alongside other leading airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air New Zealand.
Seven-Star Safety Ratings Maintained for UAE Airlines
According to AirlineRatings, both Etihad Airways and Emirates have maintained their seven-star safety classification despite the geopolitical situation affecting the region. The organization attributed this achievement to significant advancements in their operations centers, which ensure the airlines take no unnecessary risks and possess adequate resources to halt or delay operations when necessary.
Additionally, AirlineRatings confirmed its strong endorsement of the seven-star safety rating for both carriers. Etihad Airways, ranked as the world’s safest airline this year, holds the distinction of being the only carrier in the region with a “seven stars plus” safety rating, which will remain unchanged under current circumstances.
Commercial Aviation Safety Protocols
Aviation experts cited by the organization assured passengers that airlines only operate flights when safety conditions are guaranteed. Commercial carriers systematically avoid unsafe airspace and receive intensive training for various scenarios while closely monitoring geopolitical developments that may affect flight routes.
However, the ratings organization emphasized that major airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways maintain specialized internal departments that coordinate closely with local and international authorities. This approach provides them with comprehensive understanding of security situations and enables informed decision-making regarding flight operations.
Gulf Hubs Central to Global Aviation Network
AirlineRatings highlighted in its report that major Gulf aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha serve as essential pillars of global aviation. These airports collectively handle approximately half a million passengers daily, with combined passenger traffic reaching around 180 million travelers during the past year alone.
Meanwhile, UAE airports specifically received 158 million passengers in 2025, representing a 6.7% increase compared to 2024. The airports recorded more than one million aircraft movements, growing by 6.8%, which reflects the exceptional operational capacity of the country’s aviation sector.
Economic Impact of UAE Aviation
The aviation sector contributes approximately 18.2% to the UAE’s gross domestic product, underscoring its role in diversifying the national economy and strengthening non-oil sectors. This significant contribution demonstrates the strategic importance of maintaining world-class airline safety and service standards.
In contrast to challenging market conditions elsewhere, UAE national carriers achieved record performance in 2025 across various indicators. The four national carriers—Etihad Airways, Emirates, Arabtec, and flydubai—transported approximately 116 million passengers while recording record profits and revenues during the year.
The continued recognition of Etihad Airways and Emirates in global airline rankings reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading aviation hub. Industry observers expect both carriers to maintain their competitive advantages through ongoing investments in safety infrastructure and passenger experience enhancements throughout 2026.
