Latest ICAO Aviation Safety Data Reveals Need for Renewed Focus

Although global aviation safety trends remain positive, the statistics released today by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) underscore the critical importance of enhancing and expanding global collaboration on key safety priorities, especially as flight volumes rise worldwide.

According to the 2025 Edition Safety Report on the State of Global Aviation Safety by ICAO, there were 95 accidents involving scheduled commercial flights last year, an increase from 66 accidents in 2023. Of these, ten accidents were fatal, resulting in a total of 296 fatalities, up from 72 the previous year. Additionally, the global accident rate increased to 2.56 accidents per million departures, compared to 1.87 in 2023.

These accident statistics remain below pre-pandemic levels, even as the aviation system managed record-breaking traffic volumes, with over 37 million departures globally.

“Aviation remains the safest form of transport, and the long-term trend demonstrates continuous improvement,” remarked ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

“The figures from 2024 are a tragic and timely reminder that sustained, collective action is necessary to keep advancing toward ICAO’s goal of zero fatalities in commercial air transport,” ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano said. “ICAO will reinforce its advocacy and support for robust safety management, innovation, and international collaboration towards this goal.”

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) carried out an analysis revealing four high-risk categories accountable for 25% of fatalities and 40% of fatal accidents in 2024: controlled flight into terrain, loss of control in flight, mid-air collision, and runway incursion. Furthermore, the organisation pointed out that turbulence accounted for nearly 75% of all serious injuries, underscoring the increasing impact of weather-related hazards.

To address these specific and emerging risks, ICAO is implementing several targeted initiatives. Global runway safety action plans are designed to mitigate runway excursions and incursions, while improved real-time turbulence monitoring systems will assist aircraft operators in better anticipating and avoiding severe weather conditions.

The report also discusses the increasing risk of radio frequency interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). To combat this, ICAO is creating improved guidelines for mitigating spoofing and jamming, revising navigation manuals to more effectively manage GNSS disruptions, and collaborating with international partners to develop protective frameworks for these systems.

Advanced systems for accident/incident and wildlife strike reporting are facilitating a more data-driven approach to industry safety, aiding in the identification of emerging risks before they result in accidents. In this context, ICAO has reported progress in enhancing transparency and learning from previous events.

ICAO has emphasized the significance of fostering improved civil-military cooperation to mitigate conflict-related risks.

Looking ahead, ICAO is proactively preparing for future technologies by creating safety frameworks to ensure the secure integration of unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility vehicles into conventional airspace. This is another key focus of the publication.

ICAO’s report also reveals trends specific to regions.

During the reporting period, the Asia-Pacific and Europe/North Atlantic regions each experienced three fatal accidents. In South America, a single incident resulted in 62 fatalities. The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest total number of fatalities, followed by South America and Europe/North Atlantic.

The report delves into the factors influencing these outcomes across each region, emphasising the support and coordination efforts undertaken by ICAO Regional Offices. It also outlines the implementation support mechanisms designed to sustain and enhance aviation safety at the regional level.