The 10 Safest Budget Airlines in the World for 2025 (Yes, They Really Are This Safe)
Flying on a budget used to mean making peace with long lines, no snacks, and, if we’re being honest, some serious safety concerns.
But the latest report from AirlineRatings.com shows just how far low-cost carriers have come. Their rankings are based on detailed evaluations of factors like serious incidents, pilot training, fleet age, and international safety audits. Out of 385 airlines monitored globally, these 10 stood out not just for keeping fares low, but for consistently putting passenger safety first.
If you’re looking to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing peace of mind, these are the 10 safest low-cost airlines you can feel good about flying this year. Let’s count ‘em down…
10. Volaris (Mexico)
Volaris has become a go-to for affordable travel across Mexico and Central America. And it’s not just about cheap tickets—they’ve got a strong safety track record, a younger fleet, and high operational standards. According to AirlineRatings, they continue to operate incident-free while expanding rapidly.
9. Southwest Airlines (U.S.)
Yes, Southwest had a rough patch not long ago, but their commitment to safety hasn’t wavered. Their pilots are some of the best trained in the industry, and the airline continues to maintain a solid safety record. They also passed international audit standards with flying colors.
8. VietJet Air (Vietnam)
VietJet may be known for its quirky PR stunts, but when it comes to safety, they don’t mess around. With one of the youngest fleets in the skies and strong international certifications, VietJet is more than just flash. Their consistent compliance with IOSA and ICAO safety audits helps keep them on this list.
7. Wizz Air (Hungary)
Wizz Air has quickly become one of Europe’s biggest budget carriers. They’re serious about maintenance and fly a fleet of newer planes, which gives them a major edge in the safety department. They’ve also kept their incident rate impressively low despite their rapid growth.
6. AirAsia (Malaysia)
AirAsia basically changed the game for budget travel in Asia, and they’ve kept safety a top priority. Their operations meet international standards, and they consistently rank high in safety audits. AirAsia’s continued focus on pilot training and safety innovation keeps them a strong contender.
5. Frontier Airlines (U.S.)
I know Frontier gets a bad rap for customer service, but behind the scenes, they’ve got their act together when it comes to safety. A newer fleet and strong training programs keep them high on this list. They’ve also had a clean track record when it comes to major incidents. Frontier also recently placed in the top 10 for the best U.S. airlines.
4. easyJet (UK)
easyJet’s one of Europe’s most reliable budget airlines. They’re flying newer planes, have rigorous safety protocols, and continue to earn praise from industry experts. They’ve also demonstrated strong financial stability, which AirlineRatings notes as a key safety factor.
3. Ryanair (Ireland)
Ryanair might be the butt of a few jokes, but here’s the truth…they’ve got one of the best safety records in the business. With thousands of flights every day, their low incident rate is seriously impressive. Their disciplined approach to operations and compliance puts them near the top year after year.
2. Jetstar Group (Australia)
Jetstar benefits from being part of the Qantas family, which means they follow the same strict safety practices. It’s a win-win for budget-conscious travelers who still want top-tier pilot training and oversight. Their solid safety record across multiple regions keeps them consistently ranked.
1. HK Express (Hong Kong)
And the top spot goes to… HK Express! They’ve never had a serious incident, their fleet is modern, and they’re backed by Cathay Pacific. Basically, if you’re flying around Asia on a budget, this is the airline to beat. Their flawless track record is what sets them apart from the rest in 2025.
Wait—how are these rankings even decided?
AirlineRatings.com looks at a bunch of factors, including:
- Serious incidents over the last 2 years
- Fleet age and size
- Pilot training and skill
- IOSA certification and ICAO audit results
- Even how financially stable the airline is (because money problems = operational problems)
It’s not just about whether something has gone wrong, but how the airline handled it—and how prepared they are in the first place.
The good news? Flying is still incredibly safe. You’re way more likely to get hurt in a car than on a plane. But if you want that extra peace of mind next time you book with a low-cost carrier, this list is a great place to start.
Need a break from stats and rankings? I also wrote about the viral rise of BarkAir—it’s a luxury airline for dogs. It’s just as delightful as it sounds. Or how this in-flight mistake could now land you a surprise fine.
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