It is always better to air dry dishes after washing them. There are high chances of bacterial contamination if you use towel to dry the dishes.
When you use a kitchen towel to dry the dishes, it always leaves some moist and warmth on the dishes which are ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
The greatest safety concern is to keep people safe from bacteria and other germs. That's why it is always better to air-dry your dishes before stacking and storing them.