Airplanes are extremely safe, with commercial air travel being one of the safest modes of transportation worldwide. Here are key points about airplane safety:
- The risk of dying in a commercial plane crash is about 1 in 100 million passenger boardings in countries with rigorous aviation standards like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and China
. Globally, the risk has improved significantly over the decades; for example, from 2018 to 2022, the fatality risk was 1 per 13.7 million boardings, a major improvement from 1 per 7.9 million in 2008-2017 and 1 per 350,000 in 1968-1977
- Despite occasional high-profile accidents, aviation experts emphasize that crashes are very rare events. When accidents do occur, they trigger investigations and reforms that further enhance safety
- The accident rate of commercial jets has declined by 45% between 1974 and 2023, and more than 95% of plane crashes are survivable
- Airplanes have multiple backup systems, such as twin engines that can operate safely on one engine if needed. The probability of both engines failing simultaneously is less than one in a billion hours of flight
- Pilots are highly trained, planes are meticulously maintained, and air traffic control ensures large separation between aircraft to minimize collision risks
- Turbulence, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous to the structural integrity of the plane
- Statistically, flying is safer than driving to the airport, and the industry continues to improve safety despite challenges like staffing shortages or congested airports
In summary, flying is exceptionally safe due to rigorous standards, advanced technology, continuous safety improvements, and extensive pilot training. Passengers face a very low risk of fatal accidents, making air travel one of the safest ways to get around
