IATA Releases 2024 Safety Report

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) based in Geneva has released its 2024 Annual Safety Report, showing that the industry delivered another year of strong overall safety performance, with improvements in several key parameters over the five-year average. However, the year also saw a slight step back from the exceptional performance recorded in 2023. Key findings include:

The all-accident rate was 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights), which is an improvement over the five-year average of 1.25 but slightly higher than the 1.09 recorded in 2023.
Seven fatal accidents occurred in 2024 among 40.6 million flights, a notable increase from the single fatal accident in 2023 and above the five-year average of five fatal accidents.
On-board fatalities totaled 244 in 2024, compared to 72 in 2023 and a five-year average of 144. Although fatality risk remained low at 0.06—below the five-year average of 0.10—it was double the 0.03 reported in 2023.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, stated, “Even with recent high-profile aviation accidents, it is important to remember that accidents are extremely rare. There were 40.6 million flights in 2024 and seven fatal accidents. Moreover, the long-term story of aviation safety is one of continuous improvement. A decade ago, the five-year average (2011–2015) was one accident for every 456,000 flights.

Today, the five-year average (2020–2024) is one accident for every 810,000 flights. That improvement is because we know that every fatality is one too many. We honor the memory of every life lost in an aviation accident with our deepest sympathies and an ever-greater resolve to make flying even safer. And for that, the accumulation of safety data, including the 2024 safety report, is our most powerful tool.”

Rising Conflict Zone Risks

The downing of two aircraft in conflict zones—one in Kazakhstan with 38 fatalities and another in Sudan with five—has reinforced the importance of the Safer Skies initiative. Established in the aftermath of the PS752 tragedy, this initiative aims to enhance safeguards in high-risk airspace.

Most Common Accidents

Tail strikes and runway excursions were the most frequently reported accidents in 2024, emphasizing the importance of take-off and landing safety measures. Notably, there were no controlled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT) accidents.

IOSA vs. Non-IOSA Carriers Airlines participating in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which includes all IATA member carriers, recorded an accident rate of 0.92 per million flights—significantly lower than the 1.70 per million recorded by non-IOSA operators.

It is important to note that accidents and incidents related to conflict zones are classified as security-related events and are not included in this report. However, these events—along with the growing incidents of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference—remain top concerns for aviation safety and require urgent global coordination.

“No civil aircraft should ever be a target—deliberate or accidental—of military operations. Governments must step up, enhance intelligence-sharing, and establish clearer global protocols to prevent such tragedies and safeguard civilian aviation,” Walsh said.

Regional Highlights

North America

With 12 accidents, the all-accident rate improved from 1.53 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.20 in 2024, outperforming the region’s five-year average of 1.26. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2020. Tail strikes were the most common accident type, followed by runway damage and excursions. While there have been no accidents linked to space debris, an increasing number of rocket launches presents challenges for air traffic management.

Asia-Pacific

The region recorded seven accidents in 2024, with the all-accident rate increasing from 0.92 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.04 in 2024. This remains below the five-year regional average of 1.10. Fatality risk held steady at 0.15. Accidents were varied in nature, including tail strikes, runway damage, and turbulence-related events.

Africa

Africa experienced 10 accidents in 2024, with the all-accident rate rising from 8.36 per million sectors in 2023 to 10.59, exceeding the five-year average of 8.46. Although Africa recorded the highest accident rate, fatality risk remained at zero for the second consecutive year. Runway excursions were most common, followed by incidents involving landing gear. Notably, 40% of all accidents involving AFI-based operators were on turboprop aircraft. Through the IATA Focus Africa initiative, the Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) continues to mobilize resources to address these challenges.

Middle East and North Africa

With two accidents, the all-accident rate improved from 1.12 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.08 in 2024, better than the five-year average of 1.09. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2019. Although no accidents were linked to GNSS interference, it has emerged as a critical area of concern.

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

The CIS region reported no accidents in 2024, improving from an all-accident rate of 1.05 per million sectors in 2023 to zero in 2024, well below the five-year average of 2.49. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2022. However, GNSS interference and security risks linked to regional conflicts continue to be significant concerns. (Note: The December 2024 downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in a conflict zone is excluded from this report. Also, limited accident information in the CIS means that future revisions may affect accident and fatality risk calculations.)

Europe

Europe recorded nine accidents in 2024, with the all-accident rate increasing slightly from 0.95 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.02, in line with the five-year average. Fatality risk increased from zero in 2023 to 0.03 in 2024. Tail strikes were the most common accident, followed by runway excursions.

North Asia

With a single accident, the all-accident rate in North Asia increased from zero in 2023 to 0.13 per million sectors in 2024, still below the five-year average of 0.16. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2022. The lone accident involved a tail strike.

Latin America and the Caribbean

The region reported five accidents in 2024, with the all-accident rate rising from 0.73 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.77, yet remaining better than the five-year average of 2.00. Fatality risk increased from 0.00 in 2023 to 0.35 in 2024, with tail strikes being the predominant accident type.

Delayed or incomplete accident reports deny operators, manufacturers, regulators, and infrastructure providers critical insights needed to further enhance aviation safety. IATA’s analysis of accident investigations from 2018 to 2023 revealed that only 57% were completed and published in compliance with the Chicago Convention.

Completion rates vary significantly by region: North Asia leads at 75%, followed by North America (70%), Europe (66%), CIS (65%), Middle East and North Africa (60%), Latin America and the Caribbean (57%), Asia-Pacific (53%), and Africa (20%).

“Accident investigation is a vital tool for improving global aviation safety. To be effective, the reports must be complete, accessible, and timely. Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention makes it clear that this is a state’s obligation. Burying accident reports for political considerations is completely unacceptable. And if capacity is the blocker, then we need a coordinated global effort to provide technical support to countries with limited accident investigation expertise,” Walsh said.

Sharp Rise in GNSS Interference Poses Growing Risk to Aviation Safety

Data from the IATA Incident Data Exchange (IDX) reveals a sharp increase in GNSS-related interference, which can mislead aircraft navigation systems. Although backup systems are in place, these incidents still present deliberate and unacceptable risks. GNSS interference has been most prevalent in Türkiye, Iraq, and Egypt, with reports of signal disruptions, jamming, and spoofing increasing dramatically. Interference rates surged by 175%, and GPS spoofing incidents spiked by 500% between 2023 and 2024.

“The sharp rise in GNSS interference events is deeply concerning. Reliable navigation is fundamental to safe and efficient flight operations. Immediate steps by governments and air navigation service providers are needed to stop this practice, improve situational awareness, and ensure that airlines have the necessary tools to operate safely in all areas,” Walsh said.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents approximately 340 airlines, which together account for over 80% of global air traffic.

Note: Fatality risk measures the exposure of a passenger or crew member to a catastrophic accident with no survivors. This metric does not consider aircraft size or the number of people onboard; it only reflects the percentage of fatalities among those onboard.

IATA defines an accident as an event where all of the following criteria are satisfied:

Persons have boarded the aircraft with the intention of flight (including both flight crew and passengers).
The flight is part of normal commercial aviation activities, specifically scheduled or charter passenger or cargo service (excluding executive jet operations, military, and test flights).
The aircraft is turbine-powered and has a certificated Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of at least 5,700 kg (12,540 lb).
The aircraft sustains major structural damage affecting its strength, performance, or flight characteristics, normally requiring repairs or replacement exceeding USD1 million or 10% of the aircraft’s hull reserve value (whichever is lower), or is declared a hull loss.
A fatality occurs due to injuries sustained onboard, in a collision with the aircraft, or through direct exposure to jet blast.
A hull loss is defined as an accident in which the aircraft is destroyed or substantially damaged and is not subsequently repaired for any reason, including financial considerations.

In addition to the notable safety improvements since 2005, there is a masked effect from inflationary pressures. Since accident criteria have not been adjusted for inflation since 2005, less severe accidents are increasingly considered when evaluating safety performance.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, iata.org