Much of the criteria remains consistent year on year and considers incident rates adjusted for the total number of flights, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training and international safety audits. One change for this year is that AirlineRatings is placing a greater emphasis on turbulence prevention, as it remains the leading cause of in-flight injuries.

To mitigate turbulence-related risks, Vietnam Airlines utilizes advanced meteorological forecasting, visualization, and analytical systems, integrating real-time weather data with terrain-specific factors. These tools support proactive operational planning and early pilot alerts, helping to enhance passenger safety and flight comfort.

Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, said:“Ranking 19th in our 2026 World’s Safest Airlines list, Vietnam Airlines has continued to move upward from its 2025 position. This improvement reflects ongoing, measurable progress across fleet quality, safety systems, industry audit performance, a very low incident rate and overall operational consistency, rather than any single isolated factor. In addition, Vietnam’s national aviation oversight continues to strengthen, as assessed through ICAO country audits, benefiting not only Vietnam-based carriers but also the international airlines operating into and out of the country.”

Dinh Van Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, said:“A strong safety culture is the cornerstone of sustainable aviation growth. Vietnam Airlines continuously strengthens risk management, invests in advanced technologies, enhances workforce training, and aligns its operations with international best practices. Our continued inclusion among the world’s safest full-service airlines demonstrates the growing global standing of Vietnamese aviation. Built on a foundation of safety, quality, and global-standard governance, Vietnam Airlines remains dedicated to connecting Vietnam with the world and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a safe, reliable, and internationally integrated destination.”

Vietnam Airlines was the first airline in Vietnam to achieve the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and has maintained IOSA registration continuously since 2006. Its Safety Management System (SMS), implemented in 2007, meets the highest international safety standards and has been recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam as a reference model for other domestic aviation organizations. In 2023, IATA selected Vietnam Airlines to host the World Safety and Operations Conference, underscoring the airline’s influence and credibility within the global aviation community.