Safest Airlines to Fly During COVID-19 - 2025 Revised Ranking
In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, several airlines are setting new standards for health and safety in the post-COVID-19 era. Turkish Airlines, for instance, has been recognised as one of the safest airlines globally, earning the Diamond Status for health safety from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and being ranked 13th worldwide by AirlinesRatings.com [1].
## Turkish Airlines Leads the Way
Turkish Airlines' comprehensive health protocols include the employment of Hygiene Expert Cabin Crew, the distribution of hygiene kits and antiseptic tissues, and the implementation of contactless check-in and boarding processes [2]. They also mandate the use of face masks during the pandemic and have received recognition for their efforts, being ranked as the safest airline in Europe.
## Other Airlines Follow Suit
While specific COVID-19 measures for other airlines may be evolving, Turkish Airlines stands out for its proactive approach to health and safety. For example, American Airlines has recently phased out some COVID-era measures, such as the use of disposable gloves by flight attendants [1]. However, other airlines, like Singapore Airlines and Emirates, are also implementing stringent safety protocols, including mandatory mask usage, enhanced cleaning procedures, and regular on-site COVID-19 testing for crew members and passengers [2].
## General Safety Measures Across Airlines
Many airlines are also providing hygiene kits to passengers, conducting health checks, and recommending the use of face masks, although this is no longer mandatory on most flights [3]. Some airlines are also utilising hospital-grade disinfectants on high-touch surfaces throughout the flight, and over 78% of airlines report using these products [2].
## The Future of Air Travel
Ongoing investments in touchless technologies are projected to reach $2 billion by the end of 2025, with nearly 60% of airports reporting an increase in touchless payment methods [2]. Airlines are also focusing on developing and updating mobile apps that provide real-time information on flight status, in-flight services, and navigation assistance.
Moreover, flexible booking policies are becoming increasingly important to travellers, with 75% prioritising this feature when choosing their travel arrangements [2]. Airlines are also assigning specific crew members to address health and safety queries from passengers and ensuring that multiple support channels, such as in-flight messaging systems and helplines, are easily accessible during the flight.
## Looking Ahead
In conclusion, while safety practices can vary among airlines, many are taking significant steps to ensure the well-being of their passengers. Vaccination and testing requirements, HEPA filters, and touchless technologies are all playing crucial roles in the new era of air travel. As the industry continues to adapt to the changing pandemic conditions, the focus on health and safety remains paramount.
[1] American Airlines phases out some COVID-era measures, CNN, 2025 [2] The Future of Air Travel, AirlineRatings.com, 2025 [3] Face Masks No Longer Mandatory on Most Flights, The New York Times, 2025
- In the realm of health and wellness, Turkish Airlines' proactive approach in implementing stringent medical-conditions safety protocols for their air travel services has earned them recognition as the safest airline in Europe.
- As air travel transitions into the post-COVID-19 era, airlines like Singapore Airlines and Emirates are following suit, adopting measures such as mandatory mask usage, enhanced cleaning procedures, and regular COVID-19 testing for crew members and passengers, with an aim for a lifestyle that prioritizes health and safety.
