ICAO Reports 95 Flight Accidents in 2024, Urges Global Safety

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reported an increase in commercial aviation accidents and fatalities in 2024, urging heightened global cooperation on safety priorities. According to ICAO’s 2025 Edition Safety Report – State of Global Aviation Safety, 95 accidents occurred on scheduled commercial flights in 2024, compared to 66 in 2023. Ten of these were fatal, resulting in 296 deaths, up from 72 the previous year.

The global accident rate also rose from 1.87 to 2.56 accidents per million departures. While these figures remain below pre-pandemic levels, they coincide with record air traffic volumes, with more than 37 million departures worldwide last year.

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

ICAO Secretary General Juan Salazar noted that aviation remains the safest mode of transport over the long term but stressed that the increase in accidents calls for renewed focus.

High-Risk Categories and Main Causes

 ICAO’s analysis identified four high-risk categories responsible for 25% of fatalities and 40% of fatal accidents in 2024:

• Controlled flight into terrain

• Loss of control in flight

• Mid-air collision

• Runway incursion
   

Turbulence accounted for nearly 75% of all serious injuries, highlighting the growing impact of adverse weather.

The Asia-Pacific and Europe/North Atlantic regions each recorded three fatal accidents. South America reported one fatal accident, which caused 62 deaths. The Asia-Pacific region had the highest overall fatality count, followed by South America and Europe/North Atlantic.

The report also addresses emerging threats such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference. ICAO is updating navigation manuals, issuing guidance to counter spoofing and jamming, and collaborating with international partners to develop protective frameworks for satellite navigation systems.