Geneva, 26 February 2025 – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2024 Annual Safety Report, highlighting that the aviation industry continued to perform well in terms of safety. However, following the exceptional results of 2023, a slight decline was observed in some safety parameters in 2024.
Improvements in Accident and Fatality Rates
According to IATA data, 40.6 million flights were operated in 2024, with seven fatal accidents recorded. Although this figure is higher than the single fatal accident recorded in 2023, it remains below the five-year average.
The overall accident rate rose slightly from 1.09 (one accident per million flights) in 2023 to 1.13 (one accident per 880,000 flights) in 2024. Passenger fatalities increased from 72 in 2023 to 244 in 2024. However, despite the fatality risk doubling from 0.03 in 2023 to 0.06, it still remained below the five-year average of 0.10.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated, “Aviation accidents are rare, but we recognise that every loss of life is a tragedy. The accumulation of safety data remains a crucial tool for continuous improvement in the industry.”
New Safety Challenges: Conflict Zones
The report also highlighted growing safety risks in conflict zones. Accidents in regions such as Kazakhstan and Sudan underscored the need for enhanced airspace safety measures. IATA stressed the importance of establishing clearer global protocols to ensure flight safety in conflict-affected areas.
Most Common Types of Accidents: Tail Strikes and Runway Excursions
In 2024, the most frequent types of aviation accidents were tail strikes and runway excursions, indicating the need for strengthened safety measures during take-offs and landings. Notably, the absence of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents was seen as a positive indicator of ongoing safety improvements.
Regional Safety Performance: Varied Outcomes Across Regions
- North America: The region reduced its accident rate to 1.20 in 2024, down from 12 accidents in 2023. The fatality risk remained at zero.
- Asia-Pacific: The accident rate rose to 1.04, though it stayed below the five-year average of 1.10.
- Africa: Africa recorded a high accident rate of 10.59, but the fatality risk remained at zero.
- Middle East and North Africa: The region’s accident rate increased to 1.08, but with no recorded fatalities.
GNSS Interference: A Rising Threat to Aviation Safety
IATA reported a sharp increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference incidents, posing a serious threat to aviation safety. In 2024, such incidents surged by 175% compared to the previous year, while GPS spoofing incidents skyrocketed by 500%. IATA called for stronger governmental action to address this growing global security risk.
Looking Ahead: Steps Towards Safer Skies
IATA emphasised the need for more comprehensive and timely accident investigations to further enhance aviation safety. These investigations are vital for operators, manufacturers, and regulators to implement better safety measures. However, only 57% of accident investigations from 2018–2023 have been completed and published, highlighting the need for greater efficiency in safety reporting.
