Despite a series of high-profile aviation incidents in the final week of 2024, experts are reiterating that air travel continues to be the safest mode of transportation. While recent tragedies have shaken public confidence, aviation safety analysts emphasize that the overall risk of flying remains exceptionally low, bolstered by continuous advancements in technology, pilot training, and safety protocols.
The week saw several distressing events, including the downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane by a Russian air defense system on December 25, and the devastating crash of a Jeju Air flight in South Korea on December 28, which claimed 179 lives. Other incidents included a Canadian airliner suffering engine failure due to a bird strike on December 29, and a runway deviation at Oslo Airport involving a Royal Dutch Airlines flight—both of which resulted in no casualties.
While these incidents are tragic, renowned aviation analyst Alex Macheras assured the public in an interview with the BBC that such events remain exceedingly rare in the context of global air travel. “Air travel remains the world’s safest mode of transport,” he stated, emphasizing that safety is a top priority in the aviation industry. “Air travel safety is no joke and is taken with the utmost seriousness.”
Despite the cluster of incidents in a short period, statistics still favor aviation. According to experts, commercial aviation’s safety record continues to improve, thanks to continuous advancements in aircraft technology, enhanced pilot training, and stringent safety measures. “The chance of being involved in an aircraft accident is about one in 11 million,” Macheras explained, urging travelers to remember that flying remains far safer than driving or even walking.
The South Korean crash, which occurred on December 28, serves as a reminder that accidents are often the result of a complex chain of events. Macheras noted that major aviation incidents are rare and typically involve multiple contributing factors. “It takes a long chain of various contributing events for a flight to end up badly,” he said in an interview with LBC, emphasizing that such incidents do not occur as frequently as they might appear.
Safety experts also stressed the importance of trusting flight crews, who are highly trained and prioritize passenger well-being. “Aircraft divert from their norms all the time, and that’s constantly being accounted for,” Macheras noted, pointing out that pilots and crew members are well-prepared for emergencies and always put safety first.
Additionally, experts reminded travelers that flight delays—often seen as inconvenient—are often the result of weather conditions, maintenance checks, or other safety protocols that prioritize passenger well-being. “Flight delays are often for safety reasons,” Macheras said. “There are many variables that travelers are unaware of, and they should trust authorities to ensure their safety.”
While in-flight turbulence and the occasional noise from the aircraft may cause concern for some passengers, experts assured that these are part of normal operations. “Modern aircraft are highly complex, with many moving parts that can create various noises. Pilots and crew know exactly what these sounds mean and will act immediately if anything unusual occurs,” Macheras added.
In conclusion, aviation experts emphasized that while incidents do occasionally happen, they are rare and often the result of an unlikely combination of factors. “Flying remains very safe, but it’s important to listen to the authorities and know what to do in case of emergencies,” Macheras concluded. “Just like any other form of transportation, safety protocols are in place to ensure that everyone remains as safe as possible.”
In the meantime, experts also recommend that passengers stay well-hydrated and well-rested before flights to minimize stress and avoid panic. Research indicates that dehydration and fatigue can contribute to irrational fears during travel, so preparing properly for a flight can help alleviate unnecessary anxiety.
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