The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that African airlines recorded the highest accident rate in 2024, despite maintaining zero fatality risk for the second consecutive year.
The continent experienced 10 accidents, according to IATA’s 2024 Annual Safety Report, released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
The report highlighted that the most common accident types in Africa were runway excursions, followed by incidents involving landing gear.
In Europe, the number of accidents increased slightly, with nine reported in 2024.
The all-accident rate rose from 0.95 per million sectors in 2023 to 1.02 in 2024, aligning with the region’s five-year average.
Globally, the all-accident rate stood at 1.13 per million flights—equivalent to one accident per 880,000 flights.
This was an improvement on the five-year average of 1.25 but slightly worse than 2023’s 1.09.
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The report also noted a rise in fatal accidents, with seven recorded in 2024 among 40.6 million flights, up from just one in 2023.
Fatalities increased to 244, compared to 72 in the previous year, though the overall fatality risk remained low at 0.06—below the five-year average of 0.10.
IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, addressed the findings, stating: “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.”
Walsh emphasised the industry’s commitment to safety, adding: “We honour 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.”