IATA Report: Air Travel Remains Safe Despite Rise in 2025 Fatalities

Global aviation maintained a strong safety record in 2025, although fatalities increased due to a small number of major accidents, according to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 2025 Annual Safety Report.

The report shows the overall accident rate improved to 1.32 accidents per million flights—equivalent to one accident for every 759,646 flights—better than the 1.42 recorded in 2024, though slightly above the five-year average of 1.27.

In total, 51 accidents occurred across 38.7 million flights in 2025, fewer than the 54 accidents recorded in 2024, but still above the five-year average of 44 accidents annually.

"Flying is the safest form of long-distance travel," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. "Accidents are extremely rare and each one reminds us to be even more focused on continuous improvement through global standards and collaboration guided by safety data."

Fatal Accidents Rise Despite Improved Safety Rate

While overall accident rates improved, the number of fatal incidents rose slightly in 2025.

The report recorded:

• 8 fatal accidents, compared with 7 in 2024

• 394 onboard fatalities, up from 244 in 2024

• Fatality risk rising to 0.17 per million flights, compared with 0.06 in 2024

Much of the increase in fatalities was linked to a small number of major accidents. Two incidents—Air India Flight 171 (241 fatalities) and PSA Airlines Flight 5342 (64 fatalities)—accounted for more than 77% of total deaths in 2025.

Despite the increase, long-term safety trends continue to improve. The global rate of fatal accidents has improved significantly over the past decade—from one fatal accident per 3.5 million flights (2012-2016) to one per 5.6 million flights (2021-2025).

Landing and Ground Incidents Most Common

The most frequent accident types recorded in 2025 included:

• Tail strikes

• Landing gear events

• Runway excursions

• Ground damage

These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining strong safety standards during take-off, landing, and ground operations.

Notably, no loss-of-control in-flight (LOC-I) accidents were recorded in 2025, marking only the second time this has occurred since 2020. LOC-I accidents historically account for a large share of aviation fatalities.

Airport Infrastructure Linked to Accident Severity

The report also highlighted the role of airport infrastructure in accident outcomes. Around 16% of accidents involved issues related to airport facilities, including runway safety zones, lighting, markings, and obstacles near runways.

"In several events, rigid obstacles near runways increased accident severity, likely turning otherwise survivable occurrences into fatal ones," Walsh said.

He urged airports and regulators to review compliance with global runway safety standards.

Safety Performance Varies by Region

Accident rates differed across regions:

• Africa: Accident rate improved from 12.13 to 7.86 per million sectors, though the region still recorded the highest rate globally.

• Asia-Pacific: Rate improved to 0.91 per million sectors, better than the five-year average.

• Europe: Accident rate improved to 1.30, with zero fatality risk in 2025.

• Latin America and Caribbean: Rate improved slightly to 1.77 per million sectors.

• Middle East and North Africa: Accident rate dropped sharply to 0.53, with zero fatalities since 2019.

• North America: Accident rate rose to 1.68 per million sectors, above the regional five-year average.

• North Asia: Maintained one of the lowest accident rates at 0.16 per million sectors.

Safety Audits Continue to Improve Airline Performance

Airlines listed on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry demonstrated significantly stronger safety performance.

IOSA-registered carriers recorded an all-accident rate of 0.98, far lower than the 2.55 rate for non-IOSA airlines.

Similarly, IATA member airlines reported a rate of 0.72 accidents per million flights, compared with 3.09 for non-member airlines.

New Safety Challenges: Conflict Zones and GPS Interference

The report warns that emerging risks could threaten aviation safety if not addressed.

The expansion of global conflict zones has forced airlines to reroute flights and increased operational complexity. IATA stressed that governments must share timely risk information and coordinate civil-military operations to ensure safe airspace management.

"Civil aircraft must never be placed at risk from military activity—deliberately or accidentally," Walsh said.

Another growing concern is interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Reported jamming incidents increased 67% between 2023 and 2025, while GPS spoofing events surged by 193%.

IATA called for governments and air navigation authorities to strengthen monitoring and mitigation tools.

Delays in Accident Reports Limit Safety Lessons

The report also raised concerns about delayed accident investigations. Only 63% of investigations between 2019 and 2023 were completed according to international standards under the Chicago Convention.

Completion rates vary significantly by region, with Africa recording the lowest rate at 19%.

To improve transparency and safety learning, IATA has created a centralized global repository of accident investigation recommendations, allowing airlines and regulators to access critical safety insights more easily.

"Every accident is one too many," Walsh said. "The goal for aviation remains zero accidents and zero fatalities."