December 31st 2024.
As we look back on the year 2024, anxious flyers may recall it as a time when their worst fears about the safety of air travel seemed to be confirmed. A series of unprecedented, and in some cases fatal, airplane incidents dominated the headlines, leaving many travelers feeling uneasy. Three separate incidents occurred just last week on South Korean, Canadian, and Azerbaijani airliners, adding to the already heightened anxiety during the busy holiday travel season.
Despite these recent events, statistics show that the risk of death or injury on a commercial flight remains extremely low. Unfortunately, the most recent incident in South Korea on Sunday proved to be the deadliest aviation disaster in the country since 1997. A Boeing passenger jet crashed at Muan International Airport, claiming the lives of 179 people. In footage captured by South Korean news outlets, the Jeju Air flight can be seen skidding on its belly at high speed before hitting an embankment and erupting into a fireball. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but experts believe that the plane's undercarriage may not have fully deployed before hitting the tarmac.
The crash in South Korea was just one of a series of incidents that have plagued the airline industry this year. On Christmas Day, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed in Grozny, Chechnya, killing 38 people. While the cause of this crash is still unconfirmed, Azerbaijan's President has accused Russia of accidentally shooting down the plane. In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he received an apology for the incident, but no one has claimed responsibility. Additionally, on Saturday night, an Air Canada Express flight experienced a non-fatal accident in Nova Scotia due to a suspected landing gear issue.
These incidents have only added to the already difficult year for the airline industry, particularly for Boeing, which has faced increased scrutiny over the quality of its products. In January, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a panel blowout, leaving a large hole in the side of the Boeing 737 Max fuselage. This incident was followed by two fatal crashes involving the same model in recent years, leading to a 20-month grounding of the aircraft worldwide.
Despite these accidents, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the world's airlines, reports that the risk of accidents on commercial flights remains very low. In 2023, there were only 30 recorded accidents, which equates to a risk of one accident per 1.26 million flights. This is actually lower than the previous year, which had a risk of one accident per 770,000 flights. According to aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse, the risk of dying in a plane crash is actually lower than the risk of dying in a car accident or even while using an escalator.
While these statistics may provide some reassurance, the recent string of fatal crashes has understandably caused concern among travelers. This year alone, more than 200 lives have been lost in airplane accidents, far surpassing the 72 fatalities recorded in 2023. Despite this, IATA Director General Willie Walsh maintains that flying is still the safest mode of transportation. In a recent safety report, he acknowledges the need for continued improvement in the industry, as demonstrated by the two high-profile accidents in the first month of 2024.
As we move forward, it is important to remember that while accidents do happen, flying is still considered one of the safest activities a person can do. However, we must never become complacent and always strive for improvement in the name of passenger safety. The recent tragedies serve as a reminder of this and the need for thorough investigation to determine the cause of these incidents. As travelers, we can only hope that the airline industry will continue to prioritize safety above all else, ensuring that flying remains the safest way to travel.
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