IATA Report: Aviation Fatalities Rose in 2025 Despite Lower Accident Rate

AVIATOR NEWS NETWORK — The International Air Transport Association released its 2025 Safety Report on March 9, revealing a complex safety picture for global commercial aviation. While the overall accident rate decreased to 1.32 per million flights, fatal accidents and fatalities rose significantly from 2024 levels.

The report documented eight fatal accidents resulting in 394 onboard fatalities. Two major incidents drove most losses: Air India Flight 171 with 241 deaths and PSA Airlines Flight 5342 with 64 fatalities. These two accidents accounted for more than 77% of all fatalities recorded in 2025.

Despite the fatality increase, IATA emphasized that commercial aviation remains the safest form of long-distance travel. The industry achieved zero loss-of-control-in-flight accidents for only the second time since 2020. However, regional disparities persist, with the Commonwealth of Independent States seeing accident rates rise to 2.74 per million sectors. Investigation delays also remain problematic, with only 63% of accident reports completed within international timelines. IATA noted that 16% of accidents involved airport infrastructure factors, highlighting the need for continued runway safety improvements.