Recent aviation accidents, such as the midair collision over the Potomac River, have left many travelers questioning whether flying is still as safe as it once was. With deadly incidents involving major airlines like American Airlines, Jeju Air, and Azerbaijan Airlines in recent months, it’s no wonder that anxiety around flying has spiked. However, experts insist that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about flying safety, recent crashes, and why you shouldn’t be worried about booking that next flight.
The Current Aviation Safety Situation
In late January 2025, the American Airlines regional jet crashed near Washington, D.C., after colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing 67 people. This devastating accident follows a string of incidents in the last year, including the deadly crashes involving Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines. Despite the gravity of these tragedies, experts maintain that air travel remains statistically safer than other forms of transportation.
Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation safety expert, emphasizes that even accounting for serious accidents, flying is still far safer than driving. “Statistically speaking, you’re safer in your flight than you were driving in your car to the airport,” said Brickhouse, who has decades of experience in aerospace engineering and accident investigation.
Major Aviation Accidents in 2024-2025
January 2025: Potomac River Collision
In late January 2025, a collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., tragically claimed 67 lives. This crash has drawn attention to concerns about air safety, but aviation experts urge the public not to overreact.
February 2025: Delta Air Lines Crash
Just weeks later, on February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines regional jet crashed during its landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. While the crash was serious, resulting in 18 injuries, no fatalities were reported. This incident serves as a reminder that, while aviation accidents can be alarming, the likelihood of such tragedies is still rare.
Additional Fatalities in 2025
- On January 31, 2025, a small medical jet in Philadelphia crashed, killing 7 people.
- On February 6, 2025, a small Cessna aircraft crashed in Alaska, resulting in 10 fatalities.
- A private jet collision at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona on February 10, 2025, claimed the life of one person and injured four others.
These recent events, while tragic, are outliers in an industry that is overwhelmingly safe. Experts argue that even with these accidents, the risk of flying remains minimal.
Global Trends in Aviation Safety
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 2023 was an exceptionally safe year for aviation, with a record-low fatality rate of just 0.03 fatalities per million sectors flown. For context, the IATA reports that on average, a person would need to travel every day for 103,239 years to experience a fatal accident.
This drop in fatality rates represents a broader trend in aviation safety improvements. In fact, aviation has become 61% safer over the past decade. While 2024 has seen some high-profile crashes, the overall trend shows a continued reduction in accidents and fatalities, especially among jet aircraft.
The Response to Recent Accidents
The aviation industry’s response to recent crashes is swift and thorough. Following the American Airlines crash, experts and investigators emphasized the importance of learning from such incidents to prevent future tragedies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are both conducting investigations to understand what went wrong and ensure that necessary improvements are made.
One of the key aspects of aviation safety is how the industry learns from each crash. Experts believe that aviation’s safety record is largely due to its transparent approach to accident investigations, in which findings are quickly published and acted upon. Unlike other industries, where accidents might not trigger widespread changes, aviation continually updates its safety measures to adapt to new challenges.
Safety Technology and Innovations in the Aviation Industry
Despite the challenges posed by rising air traffic and occasional near-misses, the technology supporting modern air travel is increasingly sophisticated. Advanced flight management systems, improved radar systems, and enhanced communication between pilots and air traffic controllers have all contributed to making flying safer.
In response to the growing demand for air travel, safety measures are continually being updated. The FAA has been working to address staffing shortages in air traffic control towers, which have been cited as a factor in some recent incidents. Technological improvements and better training for air traffic controllers aim to reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Experts such as Geoffrey Thomas, editor of aviation website 42,000 Feet, point to systemic issues in the U.S. aviation sector that could contribute to safety concerns. Thomas argues that underfunding of the FAA and air traffic control systems has led to staffing shortages and operational strain. However, he also notes that despite these challenges, flying in the U.S. remains incredibly safe.
The debate around FAA funding is ongoing, with both Republicans and Democrats criticized for failing to provide adequate resources to maintain the best air traffic control system in the world. Yet, even with these funding gaps, the aviation industry remains one of the safest in the world.
Why Flying Remains Safe Despite These Incidents
The statistical data on air travel safety cannot be overstated. Aviation continues to be the safest mode of transportation, with the odds of dying in a plane crash being lower than the odds of dying in a car crash, a shark attack, or even giving birth to quadruplets.
The improvements in aviation technology, constant safety reviews, and the commitment of experts to prevent accidents have made air travel safer than ever. While the tragic crashes of 2024 and 2025 have sparked concern, the overall trend shows a continued commitment to safety and progress.
Flying Remains the Safest Mode of Transportation
Despite the recent tragic accidents in aviation, flying remains incredibly safe. Aviation’s safety systems have evolved over the years to ensure that air travel is as risk-free as possible. Experts continue to stress that air travel is statistically safer than any other form of transportation, and the industry is constantly improving in response to challenges.
So, if you’re planning to take a flight, you can rest assured knowing that flying remains the safest way to get to your destination. Continue to stay informed, and trust in the industry’s commitment to keeping air travel safe for everyone.
