Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways maintains a strong safety record and is widely recognized for its commitment to safety standards.

• Recent Safety Record and Notable Incidents: Etihad Airways holds the rare distinction of never having been involved in a fatal accident since its inception. While it has a robust safety record, minor incidents have been reported, such as a Boeing 787-9 veering off a localizer during an approach in 2019, cabin pressurization issues on an Airbus A321 in 2023, and an engine shutdown in flight on a Boeing 777-300 in 2021. One notable incident involved an Airbus A340-600, painted in Etihad colors, that was written off before delivery in 2007 after it crashed into a wall during engine tests at the Airbus manufacturing plant.

• Regulatory Certifications: Etihad Airways demonstrates strong adherence to international safety regulations. It completed its 10th consecutive IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) with zero findings and zero observations in November 2023, a perfect record maintained since its initial certification in 2006. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has also highly commended the effectiveness of Etihad's Safety Management System (SMS).

• Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation: The airline operates a relatively young fleet, with an average age of 8.8 years as of October 2024. This reflects a steady acquisition of new aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. Etihad emphasizes high maintenance standards, which is further supported by its significant investments in training facilities, including a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi with advanced cabin and safety trainers.

• Overall Safety Assessment: Based on available data, Etihad Airways is consistently ranked among the safest airlines in the world. AirlineRatings.com has given Etihad a 7/7 safety rating and has recognized it as one of the top ten safest airlines globally. This assessment considers factors such as incident history, governmental audits, fleet age, and pilot training.

• Safety Awards or Recognitions: Etihad Airways has received accolades for its safety performance. It was recognized as one of the world's safest airlines by AirlineRatings.com. Additionally, the airline was awarded the prestigious Five-Star Global Airline recognition for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), based on detailed passenger feedback, which indirectly reflects operational excellence and passenger confidence.