Jump in fatal aviation accidents in 2024: Safety report
Muscat- There were seven fatal accidents in 2024, among 40.6 million flights, which is higher than the single fatal accident recorded in 2023 and the five-year average of five fatal accidents, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its 2024 Annual Safety Report.
Middle East and North Africa: With two accidents in 2024, the all-accident rate improved from 1.12 accidents per million sectors in 2023 to 1.08 in 2024 and was also better than its five-year average of 1.09. Fatality risk has remained zero since 2019. While no accidents were related to GNSS interference, it has emerged as a critical area of concern in the region.
The industry delivered another year of strong overall performance on safety including showing improvements on the five-year average for several key parameters, but it took a step back from an exceptional performance in 2023, the report said.
The all-accident rate of 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights) was better than the five-year average of 1.25 but worse than the 1.09 recorded in 2023.
There were 244 on-board fatalities in 2024, compared to the 72 fatalities reported in 2023 and the five-year average of 144.
Fatality risk remained low at 0.06, below the five-year average (0.10), although double the 0.03 reported in 2023.
'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. We honor 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,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
The downing of two aircraft in conflict zones (Kazakhstan with 38 fatalities and Sudan with five fatalities) has reinforced the importance of the Safer Skies initiative, established in the aftermath of the PS752 tragedy to facilitate safeguards in high-risk airspace.
Tail strikes and runway excursions were the most frequently reported accidents in 2024, underscoring the importance of take-off and landing safety measures. Notably, there were no controlled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT) accidents.
Accidents and incidents related to conflict zones are considered security-related events and are not included in this report. While they do not appear in the data of this safety report, they, along with growing incidents of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, are a top concern for aviation safety requiring urgent global coordination.
'No civil aircraft should ever be a target—deliberate or accidental—of military operations. Governments must step up, enhance intelligence-sharing, and establish clearer global protocols to prevent such tragedies and safeguard civilian aviation,' said Walsh.
Conflict Zones: The Need for Action
Accidents and incidents related to conflict zones are considered security-related events and are not included in this report. While they do not appear in this data of this safety report, they, along with growing incidents of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, are a top concern for aviation safety requiring urgent global coordination.
'No civil aircraft should ever be a target—deliberate or accidental—of military operations. Governments must step up, enhance intelligence-sharing, and establish clearer global protocols to prevent such tragedies and safeguard civilian aviation,' said Walsh.
Delayed or incomplete accident reports deny critical stakeholders—operators, manufacturers, regulators, and infrastructure providers—vital insights that could further improve aviation safety. IATA's analysis of 2018-2023 accident investigations reveals that only 57% were completed and published as obligated by the Chicago Convention.
Completion rates vary significantly across regions, with North Asia leading at 75%, followed by North America (70%) and Europe (66%), CIS (65%), Middle East and North Africa (60%), Latin America and the Caribbean (57%), Asia-Pacific (53%), and Africa (20%).
'Accident investigation is a vital tool for improving global aviation safety. To be effective, the reports of accident investigations must be complete, accessible, and timely. Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention is clear that this is a state's obligation. Burying accident reports for political considerations is completely unacceptable. And if capacity is the blocker, then we need a coordinated global effort to provide technical support to countries with limited accident investigation expertise,' said Walsh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
21 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Dream of 24hrs of Le Mans win ends for Oman's Ahmad Al Harthy
Muscat: Faultless driving, top strategy and a very quick BMW M4 LMGT3 were not enough to deliver what looked likely to be a bid for a dream victory at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ahmad Al Harthy and Team WRT – electrical problems in the early hours of Sunday, 15th June, forcing retirement. Oman's Al Harthy and team-mates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde had delivered an incredible performance throughout the first half of the twice-round-the-clock encounter at the eight-plus mile Circuit de la Sarthe in France, with LMGT3 silverware well within their grasp. Sadly, though, and for the second year in succession, the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended in misfortune for Al Harthy and Team WRT, having led the class or been inside the top two for the most part since lights-out at 16.00 local time on Saturday, 14th June. After qualifying an excellent third on the grid for the biggest race of the season, round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the team choose to begin the 24 Hours with van der Linde and he very quickly climbed into second in LMGT3 close behind the leader. Van der Linde remained in touch in the No.46 BMW M4 and after the initial pit-stops, the South African was back up to second. Oman's Al Harthy climbed behind the wheel for his first miles of the race in hour two and was within less than four seconds of the LMGT3 lead with one hour and 45 minutes elapsed. After another stop, Al Harthy moved up into the lead and he then began to build his advantage, driving faultlessly. Just over three hours into the race the Omani, who is supported by prestigious partners OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman, led by around 25 seconds. Half an hour later the lead was up to roughly 60 seconds, before handing over to Rossi for his first stint of the race. Holding second place initially, the Italian was every bit as competitive as his two team-mates and he soon moved the No.46 BMW back into first place in LMGT3. One quarter of the way through the race, 22.00 local time, van der Linde was back behind the wheel and held an advantage of 14 seconds at that stage. Just before 23.00, with 100 racing laps in the book, he remained at the front with a buffer of half-a-minute over the nearest rival. The entire race strategy from Team WRT was working like clockwork as midnight neared. Around three hours later, though, the squad's tremendous challenge for a dream victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to an end when the car ground to a halt – seemingly with no power. After being recovered back to the pits, it was discovered electrical problems were the cause. Moreover, the issue was irreparable at the track in the time available. Ahmad Al Harthy said: 'Being in the first two positions for the majority of the nine to 10 hours we were racing definitely got us thinking of the possibility of an amazing result. I think how we were able to push the entire time showed we would have been competitive at the end of the race. Unfortunately, though, an electrics issue forced us to retire the car. 'This is what we know about racing, especially at the highest level like Le Mans, and we accept it. Things like this make you appreciate the achievements when you get them. The entire team did an amazing job right throughout the week at Le Mans, across all sessions, and the performance we showed in qualifying was a real highlight personally. We showed in the race what we're capable of, so now we look to bounce back in Brazil. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support.' Round five of the FIA World Endurance Championship takes place four weeks from now, over the weekend 12th/13th July, with the Rolex 6 Hours of Sao Paulo at Interlagos in Brazil.
Muscat Daily
09-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Summer heat raises vehicle fire risk in Oman
Muscat – As summer temperatures rise across Oman, transport and safety experts are urging motorists to carry out regular vehicle maintenance to prevent breakdowns, fires, and accidents. In recent weeks, several vehicle-fires have been reported in different governorates, with images of burning cars widely circulated on social media. Experts say many of these incidents could have been avoided through routine checks and increased awareness of heat-related mechanical risks. 'It's critical that motorists inspect their vehicles regularly and ensure they are properly maintained,' said Nasser al Hosni, manager of Happy Line Transportation Company. 'Neglecting basic upkeep in these conditions can lead to serious mechanical failures or even fires.' Hosni advised drivers not to ignore warning signs such as fuel odour, oil leaks, or a drop in radiator water levels. 'These are often early indicators of potentially dangerous issues,' he said. 'Also, make sure there are no exposed or frayed wires in the engine bay, as high temperatures can worsen electrical problems.' He also recommended frequent checks of tyre pressure, battery condition and air conditioning systems. 'We see a significant increase in vehicle-related incidents in the hotter months due to overheating and tyre bursts. Regular inspections can prevent most of these,' he added. Salim al Naabi, a mechanic in Seeb with over two decades of experience, said the heat can turn minor faults into serious hazards. 'We often see cracked fuel lines, degraded insulation on wires or worn-out batteries. In this kind of heat, those parts can ignite quickly – especially when combined with poor engine ventilation or leaking oil,' he explained. Naabi advised drivers to check coolant levels, oil leaks and ensure proper tyre inflation. 'It's not just about keeping the car running – it's about staying safe,' he said. Rashid al Balushi, a Muscat-based safety consultant, said that many motorists underestimate the dangers. 'A car fire can spread in seconds, especially in summer. People should carry a fire extinguisher, know how to use it, and avoid leaving flammable items like aerosol cans or power banks inside the vehicle.' He also warned that overloaded vehicles face a higher risk. 'An overloaded engine works harder and may overheat. Combine that with a neglected cooling system, and it's a recipe for disaster.' Witnesses have also shared alarming incidents. 'I saw a car catch fire on the Batinah Highway recently. It was shocking to witness how fast the flames spread,' said Ahmed al Kalbani, a university student from Suhar. 'Luckily, the driver escaped unharmed, but the car was destroyed. I think people need to take this seriously.' In Nizwa, resident Ahmed al Sulaimi called for stronger public education. 'We need more awareness. Maybe the authorities can conduct summer campaigns to remind people to service their vehicles. It's a small effort that can save lives,' he said. 'Prevention is better than cure. A few minutes spent on inspection and maintenance could mean the difference between a smooth drive and a blaze.' The Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) have urged motorists to prioritise regular vehicle checks, especially before long journeys. The civil defence authorities recently advised drivers to avoid prolonged parking in direct sunlight and to monitor for fuel or oil leaks.
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Premium Automotive Brand EXEED Enters Oman Market in Partnership with Silver Lake Motors
Muscat— Silver Lake Motors, one of the Middle East's leading business groups, has officially entered a new strategic partnership and agreement with EXEED, the premium automotive brand renowned for its innovation, advanced engineering, and modern luxury. Under this agreement, EXEED will introduce its full range of electric, hybrid, and combustion-engine vehicles to the Sultanate of Oman, marking a major step forward in its Middle East expansion strategy. This collaboration brings together EXEED's cutting-edge technology and design with Silver Lake Motors' strong local presence and market expertise. Together, the two companies aim to offer a new standard of premium mobility in Oman—one that blends performance, luxury, and sustainability with a deeply customer-centric approach. A Trusted Partnership Built on Experience This new agreement designates Silver Lake Motors as EXEED's exclusive distributor in Oman, extending a successful three-year partnership that began in Qatar. Since 2022, Silver Lake Motors has led EXEED's entry into the Qatari market, most notably with the opening of a flagship showroom in Doha at 'West Walk'—an architectural showcase for the brand's tech-luxury vision. The Oman partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony at EXEED's global headquarters in Wuhu, China, attended by top executives from both companies. Ms. Ping Ding, Representative of Silver Lake Motors, said: "We are proud to announce our exclusive partnership with EXEED in Oman, a nation full of promise and opportunity. EXEED's presence in Oman marks a significant milestone, as it is known for its premium craftsmanship, forward-thinking design, and commitment to innovation, EXEED brings a new standard of excellence that aligns perfectly with Oman's vision for progress and sustainable development. This partnership reflects our deep respect for Oman's growing economy and its ambitious outlook. Together with EXEED, we aim to offer Omani customers a new driving experience, one that combines luxury, performance, and advanced technology. " 'Aligning with Silver Lake Motors allows us to combine EXEED's innovation with their deep understanding of the regional market,' said Mr. Qin, CEO of EXEED International. 'Together, we're ready to redefine what premium automotive experiences look like across the GCC.' Leading the Tech-Luxury Transformation EXEED is the only luxury car manufacturer offering a full lineup across electric vehicles (EV), range-extended electric vehicles (REEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The brand is making headlines globally for its pioneering achievements, including the EXEED ES sedan, which recently set a Guinness World Record for "Most moving vehicles weaved through in 30 seconds." In addition, EXEED's REEV models deliver an impressive range of over 1,000 km on a single charge and full tank, while the EXEED RX Plug-in Hybrid SUV—powered by EXEED's advanced Super Hybrid System—boasts a total range of 1,300 km, with real-world fuel efficiency as low as 1.2L/100 km. Commitment to Safety and Innovation EXEED is also globally acclaimed for its commitment to safety and engineering excellence. The brand's cage-style body structure and patented innovations have earned it 5-star global safety certifications. In a demonstration of its commitment to rigorous standards, the EXEED ET successfully completed the world's first 31.9-meter free-fall collision test, while the RX Plug-in Hybrid has passed stringent electric vehicle crash tests—further proving its reliability in diverse conditions. Redefining Premium Automotive Experiences in Oman
