New Delhi: Air travel, once considered the safest mode of transport, has turned increasingly perilous this year, with 499 people losing their lives in plane crashes globally in the first seven months of 2025 alone.
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a total of 1,099 fatalities have occurred in air accidents worldwide since 2021, with nearly half of these deaths—499—happening in 2025 so far. This marks a sharp rise compared to 244 deaths recorded in the entire year of 2024. On average, more than two people die daily in aviation accidents this year.
The most recent tragedy unfolded in Russia on Thursday when an Angara Airlines plane crashed, carrying 49 passengers. Authorities fear there are no survivors.
One of the deadliest incidents this year was the June 12 crash near Ahmedabad, India. A flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 240 passengers onboard. Additionally, the plane struck a building, causing further casualties. The total confirmed death toll reached 260. The severity of the crash necessitated DNA testing to identify victims.
Several other major accidents have marked 2025:
On January 29, an American Airlines plane collided with a US military helicopter near Washington, killing 67 people, including three crew members on the helicopter.
The same day, a charter plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Sudan, killing 20 of the 21 onboard.
On January 30, an air ambulance crashed in Philadelphia, USA, resulting in eight deaths.
February 7 saw a Bering Air flight go missing in Alaska with 10 people onboard; all were later confirmed dead after wreckage was found.
A charter plane crashed into the sea near Honduras after a runway overrun, killing 13 of the 18 onboard.
On April 10, a helicopter crashed into New Jersey’s Hudson River, killing five passengers.
May 3 witnessed Sudan’s military shooting down a cargo Boeing 737-290C suspected of carrying weapons to rebel forces, killing 20.
On May 22, a US military plane crashed in San Diego, killing six.
July 13 saw a charter plane crash shortly after takeoff from Essex, UK, killing four.
On July 21, a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into a college building in Dhaka, killing 29.
The rising number of aviation accidents across countries, including India, Russia, the UK, and the US, has raised concerns about air travel safety. Experts and authorities are investigating causes ranging from technical failures to human error and geopolitical conflicts.
As investigations continue, the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to enhance safety protocols and prevent further loss of life. Passengers and regulators alike await stronger measures to restore confidence in air travel worldwide.