European Air Traffic Surge Linked to Rise in Fatal Accidents, EASA Report Says
Europe saw a rise in fatal air accidents in 2024 as commercial traffic continued to rebound, according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) 2025 Annual Safety Review released Tuesday Aug. 26. The report highlights that while aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, the uptick in incidents reflects the growing pressures of increased air travel across the region.
Fatal Accidents in European Commercial Aviation
Florian Guillermet, EASA’s executive director, noted that three lives were lost in three separate fatal accidents involving European commercial aircraft operators last year—the highest number recorded in recent years. All three accidents involved airliners. By contrast, there were no fatal accidents in the business aviation sector involving what EASA defines as “complex aeroplanes,” which include aircraft over 5,700 kilograms maximum takeoff weight, powered by either turbofan engines or multiple turboprops.
EASA identified aircraft upsets, airborne collisions, and runway collisions as the top risk areas for global aviation safety. These remain the focus of its oversight, training, and safety initiatives.
European Helicopter and Global Accident Data
The report also pointed to ongoing challenges in the helicopter sector. In 2024, there were seven fatal helicopter accidents in Europe, resulting in 14 deaths, with four of those accidents occurring during non-commercial flights.
On a global scale, 11 fatal accidents were recorded among commercial air transport operators, leading to 301 fatalities worldwide. While this represents a small fraction of global flights, the figure underscores the importance of continued vigilance in both technology and human factors.
General Aviation Trends
EASA also reviewed accident data in general aviation, a sector that historically accounts for the largest share of annual fatalities. In 2024, there were 27 fatal accidents involving non-complex aeroplanes, leading to 44 deaths. Encouragingly, this number remains below the average fatality levels recorded between 2014 and 2023.
The review also noted that there were no fatal accidents involving uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) within EASA member states last year, underscoring the relative safety of regulated drone operations despite their rapid integration into European airspace.
European Safety Outlook
Guillermet stressed that while European aviation continues to maintain a strong safety record, the increase in fatalities alongside traffic growth highlights the need for continuous improvement. “Every life lost is a stark reminder of why safety remains our top priority,” he said.
The data will guide EASA’s upcoming safety strategies, with a continued emphasis on preventing loss-of-control incidents, mitigating runway safety risks, and enhancing collision-avoidance systems.
As air traffic levels across Europe climb closer to pre-pandemic highs, the latest EASA report underscores the challenges of maintaining the continent’s enviable safety record. With commercial airlines, general aviation, and helicopter operators facing different but interconnected risks, regulators and operators alike are expected to intensify their focus on proactive safety measures in 2025 and beyond.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) 2025 Annual Safety Review page: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/general-publications/annual-safety-review-2025
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, easa.europa.eu