SunExpress

SunExpress maintains a commendable safety record backed by significant certifications and maintenance practices.

The airline holds a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. While generally safe, there have been a number of reported incidents over the years, including a nose landing gear retraction at Antalya Airport in 2016, a runway excursion at Stuttgart in 2016, and a blown nose wheel tire at Paderborn in 2015. More recent incidents include a burst tyre on landing at Frankfurt in 2023, an unsafe gear report near Amsterdam in 2023, a jammed elevator on a Boeing 737 MAX at Izmir in 2024, and an engine problem on departure from Van in 2024. None of these incidents appear to have resulted in major accidents or fatalities.

SunExpress possesses the internationally recognized IOSA certificate issued by the IATA International Air Transport Association, which signifies adherence to global safety standards. The airline is also certified in accordance with multiple ISO standards, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). Furthermore, SunExpress holds an EASA Part-145 approval certificate for its maintenance organization, allowing it to perform maintenance on specified aircraft and components in compliance with European Union regulations. Importantly, SunExpress is not included on the EU Air Safety List, which bans or restricts airlines that do not meet international safety standards from operating within the European Union.

The airline operates one of the most modern fleets in Europe, having invested significantly in new Boeing 737 aircraft. SunExpress leverages its own engineering operations and the expertise of Lufthansa Technic and Turkish Technic for regular fleet maintenance. Turkish Technic, for instance, provides comprehensive component pool support and manages landing gear overhaul for SunExpress' Boeing 737NG and MAX fleet. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney provides engine maintenance services for the airline's CFM56 engines.

Based on available data, SunExpress has a strong overall safety assessment. Its modern fleet, adherence to international safety audits and certifications like IOSA and EASA Part-145, and partnerships with reputable maintenance providers demonstrate a robust commitment to safety. The airline has received recognition, being awarded as Türkiye's (Turkey's) safest airline in 2018 by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and receiving the "Distinction" award at the British Safety Council's International Safety Awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for its occupational health and safety practices.