IATA’s 2024 Annual Safety Report Highlights Africa’s Safety Challenges

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2024 Annual Safety Report, highlighting the safety performance of the aviation industry globally, including the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

2024 Global Aviation Safety Statistics

• The all-accident rate globally was 1.13 per million flights in 2024, better than the five-year average of 1.25.
• This rate was higher than the 2023 rate of 1.09.
• There were seven fatal accidents globally in 2024, out of 40.6 million flights.
• This is higher than the single fatal accident in 2023.
• The year saw 244 onboard fatalities, higher than the 72 fatalities in 2023 and the five-year average of 144.
• The fatality risk in 2024 was 0.06, below the five-year average of 0.10, but double the 2023 risk of 0.03.

Africa’s Safety Performance

Africa recorded 10 accidents in 2024, resulting in an all-accident rate of 10.59 per million sectors, exceeding the five-year average of 8.46, notes IATA. Despite this, the fatality risk remained at zero for the second consecutive year.

According to IATA’s Safety Report, runway excursions and landing gear-related accidents were the most common types of accidents in Africa in 2024.

Furthermore, 40% of all accidents involving African-based operators occurred on turboprop aircraft.

IATA’s Focus Africa initiative and the Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) continue to address key safety challenges in the region.

Middle East and North Africa Safety Performance

The Middle East and North Africa region recorded two accidents in 2024, resulting in an all-accident rate of 1.08 per million sectors, an improvement from 1.12 in 2023. The fatality risk has remained zero since 2019.

While no accidents were related to GNSS interference in 2024, it has emerged as a critical area of concern in the region, IATA notes.