GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2025 Annual Safety Report, outlining global aviation safety performance across nearly 40 million flights and highlighting emerging operational risks.The report shows that the global all-accident rate in 2025 was 1.32 accidents per million flights, equivalent to one accident for every 759,646 flights. This represented an improvement from the 1.42 rate recorded in 2024 but was slightly above the 2021–2025 five-year average of 1.27.
A total of 51 accidents were recorded among 38.7 million flights in 2025. This was fewer than the 54 accidents recorded among 37.9 million flights in 2024 but higher than the five-year average of 44 accidents.
Eight fatal accidents occurred during the year, compared with seven in 2024 and a five-year average of six. A total of 394 onboard fatalities were reported in 2025, compared with 244 fatalities in 2024 and a five-year average of 198.
Willie Walsh, Director General of The International Air Transport Association, said: “Flying is the safest form of long-distance travel. Accidents are extremely rare and each one reminds us to be even more focused on continuous improvement through global standards and collaboration guided by safety data. The result of that effort is clear in how the five-year rolling average rate for fatal accidents has improved. A decade ago, the rate stood at one fatal accident for every 3.5 million flights (2012-2016). Today, it is one fatal accident for every 5.6 million flights (2021-2025). Flying is so safe that even one accident among the nearly 40 million flights operated annually moves the global data. Every accident is, of course, one too many. The goal for aviation remains zero accidents and zero fatalities.”
Accident type 2024 2025 5-yEAR Average (2021-2025) All accident rate (accidents per one million flights) 1.42 (1 accident every 0.70 million flights) 1.32 (1 accident every 0.76 million flights) 1.27 (1 accident every 0.80 million flights) All accident rate for IATA member airlines 1.11 (1 accident every 0.90 million flights) 0.72 (1 accident every 1.38 million flights) 0.80 (1 accident every 1.34 million flights) Total accidents 54 51 44 Fatal accidents 7 (5 jet and 2 turboprop)
8 (4 jet and 4 turboprop) 6 On-board fatalities 244 394 198 Fatality risk 0.06 0.17 0.12 IATA member airlines’ fatality risk 0.08 0.07 0.03 Jet accident rate (per one million flights) 1.23 (1 accident every 0.81 million flights) 1.03 (1 accident every 0.97 million flights) 0.98 (1 accident every 1.05 million flights) Turboprop accident rate (per one million flights) 3.22 (1 accident every 0.31 million flights) 4.08 (1 accident every 0.25 million flights) 3.70 (1 accident every 0.29 million flights) Total flights (million) 37.9 38.7 34.5
The most common accident categories in 2025 were tail strikes, landing gear incidents, runway excursions and ground damage. These patterns highlight the continued importance of safety measures during take-off, landing and ground handling operations.
The report also notes that there were no loss of control inflight accidents in 2025, marking only the second time this has been achieved after 2020. Such incidents are historically among the leading causes of fatal aviation accidents.
Airport facilities were identified as contributing factors in 16% of accidents during the year, underscoring the importance of runway safety areas, compliant installations and effective mitigation of hazards such as runway contamination, insufficient lighting and obstacles near runways.
Willie Walsh added: “Airport infrastructure and runway environments play a critical role in accident outcomes. In several events, rigid obstacles near runways increased accident severity, likely turning otherwise survivable occurrences into fatal ones. All airports and regulators should continuously review runway safety areas and the structures near runways for compliance with global safety standards.”
The report highlights the role of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. Airlines listed on the IOSA registry recorded an accident rate of 0.98 per million flights, significantly lower than the 2.55 rate for non-IOSA carriers. Airlines that are members of IATA recorded an accident rate of 0.72 per million flights, compared with 3.09 for non-member airlines.
Fatality risk increased to 0.17 per million flights, compared with 0.06 in 2024 and a five-year average of 0.12. The increase was driven by a limited number of fatal accidents. Two events—Air India flight 171 with 241 fatalities and PSA Airlines flight 5342 with 64 fatalities – accounted for more than 77% of all onboard fatalities recorded in 2025.
Regional analysis showed varied performance across global aviation markets.
- Africa: With seven accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 12.13 per million sectors in 2024 to 7.86 in 2025, which is below the five-year average of 9.37. Africa (AFI) recorded the highest accident rate of any region. The fatality risk increased from zero in 2024 to 2.19 in 2025. The most common accident types in 2025 were runway excursions and ‘other end state’. A review of ‘other end state’ cases (where precise categorization cannot be made for various reasons including insufficient information) since 2018 shows that the AFI region accounts for the majority of these events, underscoring the need for improved compliance with state investigation obligations under Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention. Of accidents involving AFI-based operators, 71% involved turboprop aircraft.
- Asia-Pacific: With six accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 1.08 per million sectors in 2024 to 0.91 in 2025. This was better than the five-year average of 0.99. Fatality risk remained unchanged at 0.15 in 2025 when rounded to two decimal places, although the precise rate declined slightly. The most common accident types in 2025 were ground damage and tail strikes.
- Commonwealth of Independent States: With four accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate increased from 1.44 accidents per million sectors in 2024 to 2.74 in 2025, exceeding the region’s five-year average of 2.26. The fatality risk increased from zero in 2024 to 0.69 in 2025. All accidents occurred with turboprop aircraft, including one fatal controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) event that resulted in 48 fatalities.
- Europe: With 11 accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 1.48 per million sectors in 2024 to 1.30 accidents in 2025. This was higher than the region’s five-year average accident rate of 1.11. The fatality risk rate was zero in 2025, an improvement from 0.03 in 2024. The largest proportion of accidents were related to inflight damage and tail strike.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: With five accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 1.84 accidents per million sectors in 2024 to 1.77 accidents in 2025. This was better than the five-year average of 2.02. The fatality risk decreased from 0.37 in 2024 to 0.26 in 2025. The largest proportion of accidents was runway excursions.
- Middle East and North Africa: With one accident in 2025, involving a runway excursion, the all-accident rate improved from 1.09 accidents per million sectors in 2024 to 0.53 in 2025 and was also better than its five-year average of 1.01. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2019.
- North America: With 16 accidents reported in 2025, the all-accident rate rose from 1.49 per million sectors in 2024 to 1.68 in 2025, which was above the region’s five-year average of 1.33. The fatality risk rate increased from zero in 2024 to 0.21 in 2025. The most common accident types in 2025 were ground damage and tail strike.
- North Asia: With one non-fatal tail strike accident, the all-accident rate was unchanged from 2024 at 0.16 per million sectors in 2025. This was better than the region’s five-year average of 0.18 accidents per million sectors. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2023.
Rate per million flights (number of accidents)
Region Jet 2024 Jet 2025 Jet 5-yr AVG (’21-’25) Turboprop
2024 Turboprop 2025 Turboprop 5-YR AVG (’21-’25) All Aircraft Types 2024 All Aircraft Types 2025 All Aircraft Types 5-YR AVG (’21-’25) Africa 13.10
(7) 3.59
(2) 5.37
(3) 10.74
(4) 14.96
(5) 14.40
(5) 12.13
(11) 7.86
(7) 9.37
(8) Asia-Pacific 0.92
(5) 1.07
(6) 1.00
(5) 1.86
(2) 0.00
(0) 0.96
(1) 1.08
(7) 0.91
(6) 0.99
(6) CIS 1.51
(2) 0.00
(0) 0.77
(1) 0.00
(0) 64.86
(4) 24.05
(2) 1.44
(2) 2.74
(4) 2.26
(3) Europe 1.65
(12) 1.04
(8) 1.16
(8) 0.00
(0) 3.69
(3) 0.74
(1) 1.48
(12) 1.30
(11) 1.11
(8) Latin America and the Caribbean 1.25
(3) 0.81
(2) 1.25
(3) 6.09
(2) 8.77
(3) 7.31
(2) 1.84
(5) 1.77
(5) 2.02
(5) Middle East and North Africa 1.12
(2) 0.54
(1) 0.85
(1) 0.00
(0) 0.00
(0) 5.95
(0) 1.09
(2) 0.53
(1) 1.01
(2) North America 1.12
(10) 1.78
(16) 1.21
(10) 7.97
(4) 0.00
(0) 3.36
(2) 1.49
(14) 1.68
(16) 1.33
(12) North Asia 0.16
(1) 0.16
(1) 0.14
(1) 0.00
(0) 0.00
(0) 3.65
(0) 0.16
(1) 0.16
(1) 0.18
(1) Global 1.23
(42) 1.03
(36) 0.98
(31) 3.22
(12) 4.08
(15) 3.70
(13) 1.42
(54) 1.32
(51) 1.27
(44)
The report also highlights increasing risks linked to conflict zones, where military activity near air corridors has led to flight rerouting and operational complexity.
Willie Walsh said: “Civil aircraft must never be placed at risk from military activity – deliberately or accidentally. When tensions rise, governments must share timely risk information, ensure effective civil–military coordination, restrict airspace where needed, and provide airlines with sufficient information for their own risk assessments. Whether closing or re-opening airspace, safety depends on transparency, facts, and coordination.”
The report also identifies a sharp rise in Global Navigation Satellite System interference. According to IATA’s Incident Data eXchange, reported GNSS jamming events increased by 67% in 2025 compared with 2023, while GPS spoofing incidents rose by 193%.
Willie Walsh stated: “GNSS interference events are deeply concerning. Airlines rely on GNSS for safe and efficient flight operations. While system redundancies support safe operations in the face of these deliberate acts, immediate steps by governments and air navigation service providers are needed to improve situational awareness and enhance mitigation tools for pilots. Ultimately, the practice of GNSS interference must be stopped. Anything less is both unacceptable and irresponsible.”
IATA also highlighted the importance of timely accident investigation reporting. Analysis of investigations conducted between 2019 and 2023 found that only 63% of accident reports were completed in line with obligations under the Chicago Convention.
Completion rates varied by region, with the Commonwealth of Independent States recording the highest rate at 81%, followed by North America at 78%, Europe at 75%, Asia-Pacific at 68%, North Asia and the Middle East and North Africa at 67%, Latin America and the Caribbean at 60%, and Africa at 19%.
To improve transparency and knowledge sharing, IATA has established a global platform that consolidates safety recommendations from final accident investigation reports into a single repository for industry-wide analysis and learning.
Tags: IATA
The report shows that the global all-accident rate in 2025 was 1.32 accidents per million flights, equivalent to one accident for every 759,646 flights. This represented an improvement from the 1.42 rate recorded in 2024 but was slightly above the 2021–2025 five-year average of 1.27.
A total of 51 accidents were recorded among 38.7 million flights in 2025. This was fewer than the 54 accidents recorded among 37.9 million flights in 2024 but higher than the five-year average of 44 accidents.
Eight fatal accidents occurred during the year, compared with seven in 2024 and a five-year average of six. A total of 394 onboard fatalities were reported in 2025, compared with 244 fatalities in 2024 and a five-year average of 198.
Willie Walsh, Director General of The International Air Transport Association, said: “Flying is the safest form of long-distance travel. Accidents are extremely rare and each one reminds us to be even more focused on continuous improvement through global standards and collaboration guided by safety data. The result of that effort is clear in how the five-year rolling average rate for fatal accidents has improved. A decade ago, the rate stood at one fatal accident for every 3.5 million flights (2012-2016). Today, it is one fatal accident for every 5.6 million flights (2021-2025). Flying is so safe that even one accident among the nearly 40 million flights operated annually moves the global data. Every accident is, of course, one too many. The goal for aviation remains zero accidents and zero fatalities.”
| Accident type | 2024 | 2025 | 5-yEAR Average (2021-2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
All accident rate (accidents per one million flights) | 1.42 (1 accident every 0.70 million flights) | 1.32 (1 accident every 0.76 million flights) | 1.27 (1 accident every 0.80 million flights) |
All accident rate for IATA member airlines | 1.11 (1 accident every 0.90 million flights) | 0.72 (1 accident every 1.38 million flights) | 0.80 (1 accident every 1.34 million flights) |
Total accidents | 54 | 51 | 44 |
Fatal accidents | 7 (5 jet and 2 turboprop) | 8 (4 jet and 4 turboprop) | 6 |
On-board fatalities | 244 | 394 | 198 |
Fatality risk | 0.06 | 0.17 | 0.12 |
IATA member airlines’ fatality risk | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.03 |
Jet accident rate (per one million flights) | 1.23 (1 accident every 0.81 million flights) | 1.03 (1 accident every 0.97 million flights) | 0.98 (1 accident every 1.05 million flights) |
Turboprop accident rate (per one million flights) | 3.22 (1 accident every 0.31 million flights) | 4.08 (1 accident every 0.25 million flights) | 3.70 (1 accident every 0.29 million flights) |
Total flights (million) | 37.9 | 38.7 | 34.5 |
The most common accident categories in 2025 were tail strikes, landing gear incidents, runway excursions and ground damage. These patterns highlight the continued importance of safety measures during take-off, landing and ground handling operations.
The report also notes that there were no loss of control inflight accidents in 2025, marking only the second time this has been achieved after 2020. Such incidents are historically among the leading causes of fatal aviation accidents.
Airport facilities were identified as contributing factors in 16% of accidents during the year, underscoring the importance of runway safety areas, compliant installations and effective mitigation of hazards such as runway contamination, insufficient lighting and obstacles near runways.
Willie Walsh added: “Airport infrastructure and runway environments play a critical role in accident outcomes. In several events, rigid obstacles near runways increased accident severity, likely turning otherwise survivable occurrences into fatal ones. All airports and regulators should continuously review runway safety areas and the structures near runways for compliance with global safety standards.”
The report highlights the role of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. Airlines listed on the IOSA registry recorded an accident rate of 0.98 per million flights, significantly lower than the 2.55 rate for non-IOSA carriers. Airlines that are members of IATA recorded an accident rate of 0.72 per million flights, compared with 3.09 for non-member airlines.
Fatality risk increased to 0.17 per million flights, compared with 0.06 in 2024 and a five-year average of 0.12. The increase was driven by a limited number of fatal accidents. Two events—Air India flight 171 with 241 fatalities and PSA Airlines flight 5342 with 64 fatalities – accounted for more than 77% of all onboard fatalities recorded in 2025.
Regional analysis showed varied performance across global aviation markets.
- Africa: With seven accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 12.13 per million sectors in 2024 to 7.86 in 2025, which is below the five-year average of 9.37. Africa (AFI) recorded the highest accident rate of any region. The fatality risk increased from zero in 2024 to 2.19 in 2025. The most common accident types in 2025 were runway excursions and ‘other end state’. A review of ‘other end state’ cases (where precise categorization cannot be made for various reasons including insufficient information) since 2018 shows that the AFI region accounts for the majority of these events, underscoring the need for improved compliance with state investigation obligations under Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention. Of accidents involving AFI-based operators, 71% involved turboprop aircraft.
- Asia-Pacific: With six accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 1.08 per million sectors in 2024 to 0.91 in 2025. This was better than the five-year average of 0.99. Fatality risk remained unchanged at 0.15 in 2025 when rounded to two decimal places, although the precise rate declined slightly. The most common accident types in 2025 were ground damage and tail strikes.
- Commonwealth of Independent States: With four accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate increased from 1.44 accidents per million sectors in 2024 to 2.74 in 2025, exceeding the region’s five-year average of 2.26. The fatality risk increased from zero in 2024 to 0.69 in 2025. All accidents occurred with turboprop aircraft, including one fatal controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) event that resulted in 48 fatalities.
- Europe: With 11 accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 1.48 per million sectors in 2024 to 1.30 accidents in 2025. This was higher than the region’s five-year average accident rate of 1.11. The fatality risk rate was zero in 2025, an improvement from 0.03 in 2024. The largest proportion of accidents were related to inflight damage and tail strike.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: With five accidents in 2025, the all-accident rate improved from 1.84 accidents per million sectors in 2024 to 1.77 accidents in 2025. This was better than the five-year average of 2.02. The fatality risk decreased from 0.37 in 2024 to 0.26 in 2025. The largest proportion of accidents was runway excursions.
- Middle East and North Africa: With one accident in 2025, involving a runway excursion, the all-accident rate improved from 1.09 accidents per million sectors in 2024 to 0.53 in 2025 and was also better than its five-year average of 1.01. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2019.
- North America: With 16 accidents reported in 2025, the all-accident rate rose from 1.49 per million sectors in 2024 to 1.68 in 2025, which was above the region’s five-year average of 1.33. The fatality risk rate increased from zero in 2024 to 0.21 in 2025. The most common accident types in 2025 were ground damage and tail strike.
- North Asia: With one non-fatal tail strike accident, the all-accident rate was unchanged from 2024 at 0.16 per million sectors in 2025. This was better than the region’s five-year average of 0.18 accidents per million sectors. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2023.
Rate per million flights (number of accidents)
| Region | Jet 2024 | Jet 2025 | Jet 5-yr AVG (’21-’25) | Turboprop 2024 | Turboprop 2025 | Turboprop 5-YR AVG (’21-’25) | All Aircraft Types 2024 | All Aircraft Types 2025 | All Aircraft Types 5-YR AVG (’21-’25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa | 13.10 (7) | 3.59 (2) | 5.37 (3) | 10.74 (4) | 14.96 (5) | 14.40 (5) | 12.13 (11) | 7.86 (7) | 9.37 (8) |
Asia-Pacific | 0.92 (5) | 1.07 (6) | 1.00 (5) | 1.86 (2) | 0.00 (0) | 0.96 (1) | 1.08 (7) | 0.91 (6) | 0.99 (6) |
CIS | 1.51 (2) | 0.00 (0) | 0.77 (1) | 0.00 (0) | 64.86 (4) | 24.05 (2) | 1.44 (2) | 2.74 (4) | 2.26 (3) |
Europe | 1.65 (12) | 1.04 (8) | 1.16 (8) | 0.00 (0) | 3.69 (3) | 0.74 (1) | 1.48 (12) | 1.30 (11) | 1.11 (8) |
Latin America and the Caribbean | 1.25 (3) | 0.81 (2) | 1.25 (3) | 6.09 (2) | 8.77 (3) | 7.31 (2) | 1.84 (5) | 1.77 (5) | 2.02 (5) |
Middle East and North Africa | 1.12 (2) | 0.54 (1) | 0.85 (1) | 0.00 (0) | 0.00 (0) | 5.95 (0) | 1.09 (2) | 0.53 (1) | 1.01 (2) |
North America | 1.12 (10) | 1.78 (16) | 1.21 (10) | 7.97 (4) | 0.00 (0) | 3.36 (2) | 1.49 (14) | 1.68 (16) | 1.33 (12) |
North Asia | 0.16 (1) | 0.16 (1) | 0.14 (1) | 0.00 (0) | 0.00 (0) | 3.65 (0) | 0.16 (1) | 0.16 (1) | 0.18 (1) |
Global | 1.23 (42) | 1.03 (36) | 0.98 (31) | 3.22 (12) | 4.08 (15) | 3.70 (13) | 1.42 (54) | 1.32 (51) | 1.27 (44) |
The report also highlights increasing risks linked to conflict zones, where military activity near air corridors has led to flight rerouting and operational complexity.
Willie Walsh said: “Civil aircraft must never be placed at risk from military activity – deliberately or accidentally. When tensions rise, governments must share timely risk information, ensure effective civil–military coordination, restrict airspace where needed, and provide airlines with sufficient information for their own risk assessments. Whether closing or re-opening airspace, safety depends on transparency, facts, and coordination.”
The report also identifies a sharp rise in Global Navigation Satellite System interference. According to IATA’s Incident Data eXchange, reported GNSS jamming events increased by 67% in 2025 compared with 2023, while GPS spoofing incidents rose by 193%.
Willie Walsh stated: “GNSS interference events are deeply concerning. Airlines rely on GNSS for safe and efficient flight operations. While system redundancies support safe operations in the face of these deliberate acts, immediate steps by governments and air navigation service providers are needed to improve situational awareness and enhance mitigation tools for pilots. Ultimately, the practice of GNSS interference must be stopped. Anything less is both unacceptable and irresponsible.”
IATA also highlighted the importance of timely accident investigation reporting. Analysis of investigations conducted between 2019 and 2023 found that only 63% of accident reports were completed in line with obligations under the Chicago Convention.
Completion rates varied by region, with the Commonwealth of Independent States recording the highest rate at 81%, followed by North America at 78%, Europe at 75%, Asia-Pacific at 68%, North Asia and the Middle East and North Africa at 67%, Latin America and the Caribbean at 60%, and Africa at 19%.
To improve transparency and knowledge sharing, IATA has established a global platform that consolidates safety recommendations from final accident investigation reports into a single repository for industry-wide analysis and learning.
