Global Aviation Accidents Increase Slightly in 2024, Fatalities Surge

Despite improved long-term safety trends, the number of fatalities in aviation accidents rose significantly last year due to a few major incidents.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported 46 aviation accidents globally in 2024, up from 42 in 2023.
The accident rate rose slightly to 1.13 per million flights in 2024, compared to 1.09 per million flights the previous year.
Fatalities increased sharply to 244 in 2024, up from 72 in 2023, largely due to a single catastrophic crash in South Korea involving Jeju Air that claimed 179 lives.
Africa recorded the highest accident rate at 10.59 per million flights, while the former Soviet Union states reported almost no accidents.
Long-term safety improvements continue, with the five-year average accident rate now at one per 810,000 flights, compared to one per 456,000 flights a decade ago.