Thai Lion

Thai Lion Air maintains a commitment to safety, demonstrated by its regulatory certifications and maintenance practices.

• Recent Safety Record and Any Notable Incidents: Thai Lion Air has experienced several notable incidents, though none have been fatal. These include a first officer incapacitation in 2014, an engine shutdown in flight in 2018, a runway incursion in 2020, and another engine shutdown in flight in 2023. More recently, in July 2025, a Boeing 737-800 flight was forced to return to the gate due to a technical snag with its flaps, leading to a flight cancellation. AirlineRatings.com currently gives Thai Lion Air a safety rating of 5 out of 7 stars (updated September 15, 2024), noting a "failed" incident rating of 1/3 but "passed" for audits and a fatality-free record.
• Regulatory Certifications: Thai Lion Air has a strong record of safety certifications. It has successfully passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) for the 10th consecutive year as of August 2025. This certification is globally recognized as a benchmark for airline safety standards and aims to elevate safety management to international levels. Thai Lion Air was also the first Thai low-cost carrier to achieve IOSA certification in 2015. Notably, Thai Lion Air was never on the EU blacklist, which had previously banned some Indonesian airlines (including its parent company Lion Air, which was removed in 2016) from European airspace due to safety concerns.
• Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation: The airline operates a fleet of modern and efficient aircraft, described as among the "youngest fleets in the world." As of September 2025, the average fleet age for their Boeing 737-800s is 10.7 years and for Boeing 737-900ERs is 12.7 years. OneSpotter.com lists an average fleet age of 11 years as of August 2025. Thai Lion Air emphasizes implementing "strict maintenance schedules and adhering to international safety standards," utilizing the Lion Air Group's maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Batam, Indonesia.
• Overall Safety Assessment: Based on available data, Thai Lion Air demonstrates a generally good overall safety assessment, primarily supported by its consistent IOSA certification and its commitment to international safety standards. While some operational incidents have occurred, the airline has maintained a fatality-free record.
• Any Safety Awards or Recognitions: While there are no specific awards dedicated solely to safety listed, the airline's continuous 10-year achievement of IOSA certification is a significant recognition of its adherence to high operational safety standards. Thai Lion Air also received "Asia-Pacific's Most Outstanding Airline" at the NOW Travel Asia Awards 2024, an award that considers exceptional service, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, they have won "Asia's Top Budget Airlines" at the NOW Travel Asia Awards in multiple years, consistently stating that safety is their highest priority.