Volaris Named Among World’s 25 Safest Ultra Low-Cost Airlines

Mexican carrier Volaris has once again been recognized by Airline Ratings as one of the world’s 25 safest ultra low-cost airlines, extending a streak that has now reached 11 consecutive years. The ranking, which evaluates global safety and operational standards, places Volaris among a select group of low-cost operators that meet stringent international criteria.

In a statement, Volaris founder and CEO Enrique Beltranena said the recognition reflects sustained operational discipline rather than a one-time achievement. “We know that every flight carries stories, plans and people who trust us. Being in this ranking for eleven consecutive years is not by chance; it is the result of the daily, disciplined and committed work of thousands of employees who understand that safety is non-negotiable,” Beltranena said.

The Airline Ratings list focuses on ultra low-cost carriers worldwide and is based on standardized safety benchmarks. These include the absence of fatal incidents over the past decade, compliance with international regulatory oversight, and adherence to globally recognized audit programs. Volaris has appeared in the ranking continuously since 2016.

Beltranena said operational safety is embedded across the organization. “At Volaris, operational safety is our most important principle and it is practiced every day, always thinking about our passengers,” he said. He added that the airline’s approach goes beyond formal audits and regulatory checklists, pointing to an internal culture designed to identify and address risks early.

According to the CEO, that culture is built around a simple rule applied across all functions. “This achievement reflects a positive safety culture based on a clear principle that guides the entire organization: if you see something, say something,” he said. 

Airline Ratings said its assessment process includes a review of pilot training programs and continuous monitoring of flight operations. The methodology also considers whether an airline holds the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, a globally recognized standard issued by the International Air Transport Association.

In addition, the ranking takes into account ongoing oversight by aviation authorities such as the US Federal Aviation Administration and compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Airlines that appear on restrictive or blacklist registers maintained by regulators in Europe or the United States are excluded from consideration.

Volaris said maintaining inclusion in the ranking for more than a decade demonstrates consistency in operational performance rather than short-term compliance. The airline operates a large domestic and regional network across Mexico, the United States, Central America and South America, positioning safety performance as a core component of its business model.

Beltranena said the recognition supports the airline’s broader strategy. “This acknowledgment consolidates our business vision and strategy, positioning Volaris within a select group of airlines that meet the highest international quality and safety standards,” he said. “It also reaffirms our commitment to continue working every day to offer safe, accessible and reliable flights.”

Airline Ratings publishes several annual rankings covering full-service and low-cost airlines, and its evaluations are widely referenced by the aviation industry, investors and regulators. The ultra low-cost category focuses on carriers that operate simplified service models while maintaining compliance with international safety requirements.

For B2B stakeholders—including lessors, airports, suppliers and institutional partners—long-term inclusion in safety rankings can influence perceptions of operational risk and reliability. Volaris said it views the recognition as relevant not only to passengers but also to partners across the aviation value chain.

The airline did not disclose any specific changes to its operational or training programs linked to the latest ranking, but reiterated that safety investment remains ongoing. 

Volaris announced in December that it and Viva reached an agreement to combine their holding companies in a merger of equals, forming a new Mexican airline group expected to close in 2026. The transaction, approved by both boards, will keep the airlines operating independently with separate brands and certificates, while creating a single holding structure to improve scale, financial flexibility and access to capital as Mexico prepares for higher air travel demand later this decade.

In December, Volaris and Viva announced an agreement to combine their holding companies to form a new Mexican airline group, in a transaction expected to close in 2026 and structured as a merger of equals.