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Recent high-profile aviation incidents have reignited concerns over airline safety, but does this mean flying has become more dangerous? While the risk of fatal crashes remains historically low, a troubling rise in near misses suggests growing safety challenges. Despite two alarming incidents in early 2024—a runway collision in Japan and a Boeing 737 Max 9 mid-air emergency—commercial aviation remains statistically safer than ever. In 2023, there were only two fatal crashes, both involving small domestic aircraft, with no deaths on international passenger jets. Compared to the 148 lives lost per hour in road accidents, flying remains the safest mode of transportation. However, a recent investigation by The New York Times found that near misses between aircraft are occurring more frequently, particularly on runways. In a single year, the FAA recorded around 300 incidents where planes came dangerously close to colliding, some just seconds away from disaster. Notable cases include a private jet nearly striking a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 in San Diego and a Southwest pilot aborting a landing to avoid a Delta aircraft in New Orleans. The rise in these incidents is partly due to increasing air traffic and human error in high-pressure airport environments. Runway incursions—where aircraft mistakenly enter active runways—have become a growing concern, with experts warning of “disturbing†global trends. Unlike mid-air accidents, which are rare, runway incidents have led to fatal crashes, such as the 2020 Pegasus Airlines disaster in Istanbul. Compounding these issues, turbulence has increased by 55% in the last 50 years due to climate change, making flights bumpier and posing injury risks. While turbulence itself doesn’t crash planes, severe jolts can throw unbelted passengers into the air. Air travel remains extraordinarily safe, but the increase in near misses and runway hazards highlights vulnerabilities in the system. Without continued vigilance, improved technology, and stricter safety protocols, these warning signs could lead to future disasters.
