Is Flying Really Getting More Dangerous? Data Reveals a Different Story

Air Travel Safety: Perception vs. Reality Introduction: Recent news reports highlight a perceived increase in near-miss incidents involving airplanes, prompting concerns about the safety of air travel. However, a CNN analysis of NTSB data reveals a different picture. The study, covering the past 10 years of US flight safety incidents, shows that despite the perceived increase in close calls, the actual number of accidents and fatalities has remained remarkably stable. Details: The CNN report uses compelling visuals to illustrate the data. For example, it shows that of over 1200 flight safety incidents investigated by the NTSB between January 2024 and March 2025, only 60 involved commercial planes. Further, only half of those 60 resulted in injuries to passengers or crew, and only two led to fatalities. The analysis also shows that the number of commercial flight safety investigations per year has remained fairly consistent over the past decade, with a temporary dip only during the COVID-19 pandemic when air travel was reduced. Expert Quotes: "It's pretty staggering," says CNN correspondent Pete Muntean, "considering close to 3 million people fly in US airspace daily, according to the FAA." Conclusion: The data suggests that flying remains exceptionally safe. While near-miss incidents are concerning, the actual risk of a fatal accident remains low, underscoring the effectiveness of safety measures in the aviation industry.