Flying Safety by the Numbers

Discover why flying remains THE safest way to travel. Here are some key statistics and facts from trusted sources.

Key Statistics

Commercial aviation is 29× safer than driving.
(National Safety Council)
The odds of a plane crash are about 1 in 11 million flights.
(NTSB)
Air travel fatalities have decreased by 60% over the past 30 years.
Over 100,000 flights take off daily with minimal incidents.
Commercial planes undergo rigorous maintenance checks every 24–48 hours.
(Federal Aviation Administration)
Modern jetliners are designed to fly safely even with one engine in case of failure.
(Boeing Safety Briefing)

Why Flying is Safe

Redundant Safety Systems

Modern aircraft are equipped with multiple backup systems for navigation, communication, and control to ensure safe operation in any scenario.

Highly Trained Pilots

Commercial pilots undergo rigorous training, simulation tests, and recurrent certifications to handle both routine and emergency situations.

Strict Regulations

Aviation is governed by strict global safety standards and constantly monitored by aviation authorities like FAA and EASA.

24/7 Air Traffic Control

Flights are tracked and managed in real time by ATC centers worldwide, ensuring aircraft stay on safe, coordinated flight paths.

Regular Maintenance & Inspections

Every commercial aircraft goes through frequent and detailed inspections, from pre-flight checks to scheduled maintenance cycles — often more rigorously than other transport vehicles.

Advanced Engineering & Testing

Aircraft are designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions like lightning, turbulence, and engine failure scenarios. They are built far beyond the stress levels encountered in everyday flight.

Flight Safety vs. Car Safety: A Quick Comparison

Aspect Flying (Commercial Aviation) Driving (Cars)
Annual Fatalities (US) Less than 500 (all flights) Over 30,000
Fatality Rate ~0.07 deaths per 100 million miles flown ~1.3 deaths per 100 million miles driven
Odds of Fatal Incident 1 in 11 million flights 1 in 5,000 trips
Safety Systems Multiple redundant systems, strict regulations, trained pilots Varies widely by driver behavior and vehicle maintenance

Additional Resources