Most Canadian airlines are not flying high in a 2023 ranking of the safest carriers in the world. Safety monitor AirlineRatings.com reviewed 385 companies, selecting the top 20 safest major and low-cost airlines. Neither Air Canada nor Air Transat made it into this year's list. Westjet did, however, make the cut.

In 2026, both Air Canada and WestJet are ranked among the safest airlines in the world, and any statistical difference between them is negligible for the average traveler. According to the 2026 AirlineRatings.com report, Air Canada typically sits in the top 25 "Full-Service" airlines globally, while WestJet is consistently ranked in the top 25 "Low-Cost/Hybrid" carriers. Both airlines maintain incredibly high safety standards, operate modern fleets (including Boeing 787s and 737 MAXs), and undergo rigorous IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certifications. Air Canada, as a legacy carrier, has a larger, more diverse fleet and a longer history, which naturally includes a different incident profile than the younger WestJet. However, WestJet has a stellar reputation for its maintenance culture and has transitioned into a "global" airline with its own long-haul routes. From a passenger perspective, the choice should be based on price, route, and service rather than safety, as both are subject to the strict oversight of Transport Canada, which is one of the world's most demanding aviation regulatory bodies.