The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2024 Annual Safety Report, revealing that North America recorded the highest number of air accidents with 12, while Africa followed with 10, making it the second-highest globally. The report highlights that Africa’s all-accident rate rose from 8.36 per million sectors in 2023 to 10.59 in 2024, exceeding the five-year average of 8.46. While the continent recorded the highest accident rate, the fatality risk remained at zero for the second consecutive year.
The most common accidents in Africa were runway excursions and landing gear-related incidents, with 40% of accidents involving turboprop aircraft. Through the IATA Focus Africa initiative, the Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) is mobilizing resources to address key safety challenges. In North America, the all-accident rate improved from 1.53 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.20 in 2024, better than the five-year average of 1.26. The most common accident types in the region were tail strikes, runway damage, and runway excursions.
Globally, the aviation industry saw a strong overall safety performance in 2024, but there was a decline compared to the exceptional performance of 2023. The all-accident rate stood at 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights), better than the five-year average of 1.25 but slightly worse than the 1.09 recorded in 2023. There were seven fatal accidents among 40.6 million flights, a significant increase from the single fatal accident in 2023 and higher than the five-year average of five fatal accidents.
IATA reported that there were 244 onboard fatalities in 2024, compared to 72 in 2023 and the five-year average of 144. Despite this rise, the fatality risk remained low at 0.06, below the five-year average of 0.10, though it doubled from the 0.03 recorded in 2023. Addressing the statistics, IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated, “Even with recent high-profile aviation accidents, it is important to remember that accidents are extremely rare. There were 40.6 million flights in 2024 and seven fatal accidents. Moreover, the long-term story of aviation safety is one of continuous improvement. A decade ago, the five-year average (2011-2015) was one accident for every 456,000 flights. Today, the five-year average (2020-2024) is one accident for every 810,000 flights. That improvement is because we know that every fatality is one too many. We honor the memory of every life lost in an aviation accident with our deepest sympathies and ever-greater resolve to make flying even safer. And for that, the accumulation of safety data, including the 2024 safety report, is our most powerful tool.”
The report also underscored growing risks from conflict zones, highlighting two aircraft downed in Kazakhstan and Sudan, resulting in 38 and five fatalities, respectively. These incidents reinforce the urgency of the Safer Skies initiative, which was established following the PS752 tragedy to enhance airspace safety. “No civil aircraft should ever be a target—deliberate or accidental—of military operations. Governments must step up, enhance intelligence-sharing, and establish clearer global protocols to prevent such tragedies and safeguard civilian aviation,” Walsh urged.
Another major concern raised in the report is the increasing cases of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, which can mislead aircraft navigation systems. Incidents of GNSS interference surged by 175%, while GPS spoofing incidents spiked by 500%. The most affected regions included Türkiye, Iraq, and Egypt. Walsh stressed, “The sharp rise in GNSS interference events is deeply concerning. Reliable navigation is fundamental to safe and efficient flight operations. Immediate steps by governments and air navigation service providers are needed to stop this practice, improve situational awareness, and ensure that airlines have the necessary tools to operate safely in all areas.”
Delayed accident investigations were also highlighted as a significant challenge, with IATA’s analysis of 2018-2023 accident reports revealing that only 57% were completed and published as required by the Chicago Convention. Africa had the lowest completion rate at 20%, while North Asia led at 75%. Walsh emphasized, “Accident investigation is a vital tool for improving global aviation safety. To be effective, the reports of accident investigations must be complete, accessible, and timely. Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention is clear that this is a state’s obligation. Burying accident reports for political considerations is completely unacceptable. And if capacity is the blocker, then we need a coordinated global effort to provide technical support to countries with limited accident investigation expertise.”
The 2024 report presents a mixed picture of global aviation safety, with improvements in some regions but setbacks in others. While America led in total accident numbers, Africa recorded the highest accident rate, highlighting the need for continued safety initiatives. The industry remains committed to reducing risks, enhancing data-driven safety strategies, and ensuring that aviation remains the safest mode of transport.
