Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines maintains a strong commitment to safety, though it has recently faced scrutiny over operational incidents.

The airline consistently holds the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration. As of July 2024, Malaysia Airlines achieved its tenth consecutive IOSA registration, which remains valid until 2026. This certification is a fundamental requirement for its membership in IATA and the Oneworld Alliance, covering crucial operational areas such as flight operations, engineering, and maintenance. Furthermore, Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) regained its FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating in October 2022. This status confirms Malaysia's compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards, enabling Malaysian carriers to operate to the United States and engage in codeshare agreements without restrictions.

Regarding its safety record, Malaysia Airlines has encountered a notable increase in technical issues in 2024. As of October 2024, the airline recorded 18 Air Turn Back (ATB) incidents, where flights returned to the departure airport, and 181 Return to Chock (RTC) incidents, involving aircraft returning to the parking position before takeoff due to various issues. These incidents are primarily attributed to mechanical component issues and a shortage of skilled labor. In response, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) conducted a surprise investigation in June 2024 and shortened Malaysia Airlines' Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) renewal period from three years to one, facilitating more frequent audits and oversight. The airline is actively implementing mitigation plans and enhancing maintenance protocols to address these concerns.

The airline's fleet, as of November 2025, has an average age of 10.4 years. While the Airbus A330 fleet averages 11.8 years and the Boeing 737 NG/Max fleet averages 10.1 years, the Airbus A350 fleet is younger at 7.2 years. Malaysia Airlines is committed to fleet renewal, with the introduction of new Airbus A330neo aircraft, aiming to operate one of the youngest fleets to Australia and New Zealand by early 2026.

Overall, Malaysia Airlines is recognized as an APEX Four Star Major Airline in the 2026 Official Airline Ratings for its consistent excellence in safety, service, and operational performance. Despite past major incidents (MH370 and MH17 in 2014) that significantly impacted its image, recent regulatory assessments confirm compliance with international safety standards. The airline is proactively addressing current technical reliability challenges to reinforce its safety reputation.