Is Flying Still Safe? Here’s What Experts Are Saying
Recent high-profile aviation incidents have left many passengers questioning the safety of air travel. A close call at Chicago Midway Airport between a Southwest aircraft and a private jet, along with other troubling events, have intensified concerns. But is flying still safe?
A Series of Alarming Incidents
In the past few months, North American skies have witnessed several troubling events, such as:
- A deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- A Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia
- A regional airline crash off the coast of Nome, Alaska, killing 10 people
- A Delta flight emergency landing in Atlanta with a haze-filled cabin
- Delta Flight 4819, which crash-landed and ended upside down at Toronto Pearson International Airport, miraculously without fatalities.
These incidents followed a deadly series of crashes in late 2024, including the Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines crashes. In the past year, there was also a Boeing door panel blowout in the U.S. and a fiery runway collision in Japan.
After these close calls, anxiety around air travel has spiked. So, should passengers be worried?
The Experts’ Perspective
Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation safety expert, reassures passengers, stating, “I don’t know that passengers should be worried, but it’s important for the flying public to demand that the government and aviation entities do everything to make air travel as safe as possible.”
Statistically, flying is still the safest mode of transportation. Brickhouse emphasized that air travel remains safer than driving to the airport.
An Unsettling Trend in Aviation Safety
However, Brickhouse acknowledged a troubling trend. “If you keep having near-misses, eventually you’re going to have a midair collision,” he said. The past few years have seen repeated near-collisions, especially at U.S. airports.
These near-collisions led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to form an independent safety review team in 2023. The team’s findings revealed critical issues like:
- Inconsistent funding for safety initiatives
- Outdated technology and understaffed air traffic control towers
- Lengthy training requirements for air traffic controllers
The FAA has already taken some action, particularly in recruiting and training new controllers. But a shortage of air traffic controllers continues to strain the U.S. airspace system.
How Safe Is Flying, Really?
Despite these challenges, aviation safety remains strong. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)‘s 2024 safety report, there was only one fatal accident for every 880,000 flights in 2024. While the number of fatalities increased to 244 (from 72 in 2023), this figure is still incredibly low compared to historical data.
Between 2018 and 2022, the worldwide death risk for passengers was just one in 13.7 million boardings. To put that into perspective, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning, attacked by a shark, or even give birth to quadruplets than to die in a plane crash.
A System That Learns from Mistakes
Guy Gratton, an aviation professor and commercial pilot, noted that despite the occasional accident, aviation’s response to failures is what makes it so safe. After any crash or close call, safety measures are thoroughly analyzed and recommendations are immediately rolled out across the industry.
Gratton drew comparisons with road accidents, saying that the global aviation industry’s investigative process and response to incidents is far more robust than what we see in other transport sectors.
Addressing Safety Concerns in the U.S.
While aviation remains globally safe, U.S. aviation oversight faces challenges. Geoffrey Thomas, editor of aviation website 42,000 Feet, pointed out that insufficient funding for the FAA is a key factor behind recent incidents. “U.S. Congress has consistently starved the FAA of the resources it needs,” Thomas said. The lack of adequate funding has impacted the U.S. air traffic control system.
However, both experts stress that flying is still the safest mode of transportation. “There are over 100,000 commercial flights per day globally, and flying is incredibly safe,” said Thomas. Gratton echoed this sentiment: “All the processes that have been put in place over the years are still there to ensure maximum safety.”
Overcoming the Fear of Flying
For passengers struggling with anxiety about flying, known as aerophobia, it’s essential to recognize that fear of flying is treatable. More than 25 million Americans suffer from severe flight anxiety, which can interfere with daily life. However, experts say it’s important to confront this fear, not avoid it.
Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry, advises against using alcohol or medication as coping mechanisms. Instead, she recommends exposure therapy—taking the flight despite the anxiety. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm nerves during the flight.
Some European airlines even offer fear of flying courses, such as the Flying with Confidence course run by British Airways, which includes sessions with pilots and cabin crew and a real flight to help passengers overcome their fear.
Conclusion
Despite recent incidents and ongoing challenges, flying remains statistically safer than ever before. Experts emphasize that aviation continues to improve safety year after year, and the systems in place to prevent accidents are among the best in the world.
If you’re still nervous about flying, you’re not alone—but rest assured, air travel is exceptionally safe. And with the proper strategies, you can overcome any fear or anxiety that might come with it.
