Safety of Indian Aviation: Insights from AirlineRatings.com
In the ever-evolving world of air travel, ensuring safety remains paramount. One organisation that sets the benchmark for airline safety ratings is AirlineRatings.com. This global authority assesses the safety records and operational standards of airlines worldwide, including major Indian carriers, using a holistic approach.
AirlineRatings.com's safety rating system evaluates three core pillars: pilot-related safety incidents, fatal accidents, and global audit performance. The pilot-related incidents category awards up to three stars if no serious issues are found, and between zero and two stars depending on the severity and frequency of incidents.
As we stand on the 16th of June, 2025, let's take a look at how some of India's leading airlines fare according to AirlineRatings.com.
SpiceJet, with a relatively clean record, maintains a full 7-star safety rating. Akasa Air, the new entrant in the aviation industry, also scores well with 6 out of 7 stars, albeit without the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.
IndiGo, another prominent player, is rated 6/7 stars for safety. Despite recording a number of operational safety events, only one star has been deducted from their safety rating due to effective management.
However, Air India Express and Air India find themselves in a different league. Both airlines have been impacted by tragic incidents in the past, leading to lower safety ratings. Air India Express, following a tragic runway overrun incident in 2020, currently holds a 4/7 safety rating, with their safety score unable to return to the maximum level until at least 2030. Air India, too, is rated 4/7 stars for safety.
Fatal accidents can lead to three stars being removed from the rating, but accidents caused by terrorism, hijacking, or pilot suicide, as well as accidents that were clearly not the airline's fault, are not penalized.
AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen believes that the safety ratings provide a reliable source of information to guide travelers towards the safest option for their journey. With transparency and rigorous evaluation, these ratings serve as an invaluable tool for passengers making informed decisions about their travel choices.
In conclusion, AirlineRatings.com's safety rating system for Indian and other airlines is based on a comprehensive review of incident history, regulatory compliance, fleet age, audit outcomes, and operational standards sourced from official data and international auditing benchmarks. This meticulous approach ensures that passengers can make informed decisions about their travel choices, prioritising safety above all.
The Finnancially stable SpiceJet, one of India's leading airlines, maintains a top-tier 7-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. Additionally, discussions on airline safety ratings should include the financial aspect, as airlines' financial health plays a role in their ability to invest in upgrading safety measures and maintaining operational standards.
