Mixed Safety Record
According to the latest IATA safety report, the total stay rate in 2024 was 1.13 flights per million flights. This year there were 460 aviation accidents and 244 deaths out of 40.6 million flights, showing an increase from 42 accidents and 72 deaths in 2023.
Most concern was the rise in fatal accidents in 2023 (Yeti Airlines crashed, which killed 72 people in Nepal) to seven in 2024.
However, the IATA did not count Azerbaijan Airlines crash on Christmas Day, which killed 38 people as the aircraft is believed to have been collapsed by Russian missiles.
Regional breakdown of the 2024 accident
North America: 12 accidents
Africa: 10 accidents
Europe: 9 accidents
Asia Pacific: 7 accidents
Middle East and North Africa: Two Accidents
Common Causes and New Threats
The report identified tail strikes and runway excursions as the most frequently reported accidents in 2024, reinforcing the need for stricter safety measures during takeoffs and landings.
Furthermore, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) interference (jamming, signal destruction, GPS spoofing, etc.) has emerged as a major concern.
IATA reports a 175% surge in interference cases and a 500% surge in GPS spoofing cases between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the growing cybersecurity threat to aviation.
Long-term safety trends
Despite the 2024 set-off, IATA Director Willie Walsh emphasized that the long-term trajectory of aviation safety remains positive.
Ten years ago (2011-2015), the average over five years was one accident per 456,000 flights. Today, the five-year average (2020-2024) endures one accident per 810,000 flights, reflecting the sustained improvements in global air safety standards.
While 2024 may have seen an increase in accidents compared to 2023, wider photos suggest that air travel continues to become safer over time.
