2023 was safest year in a decade for commercial air travel

Data from 2023 shows there were six fatal airliner crashes in 2023 making it the safest year in commercial aviation in a decade.

The number of crashes and passenger fatalities was almost half that of the previous year with 115 passenger deaths compared to 229 in 2022 according to data from Flight Global.

The most notable accident in 2023 was the Yeti airlines crash which killed 68 passengers whilst trying to land at Pokhara Airport. The aircraft stalled on approach killing all onboard including the 4 crew.

The second most serious fatal crash involved a Manuas Aerotaxi Embraer 110 with crashed trying to land at Barcelos Airport killing 14 passengers and 2 crew.

There were no fatal accidents involving jet airliners or international flights in 2023.

The figures prove a testament to the ever evolving world of air safety from the design and systems onboard airliners, their maintenance right through to the air traffic management systems employed by countries around the world.

The US, Europe (including UK) and Oceania regions still continue to be the safest countries in the world for aviation with many of the top ranked airlines hailing from those regions.

The worst continue to be countries such as Nepal, India, Pakistan and Russia.

20 Safest Airlines in the World

1. Air New Zealand
2. Qantas
3. Virgin Australia
4. Etihad Airways
5. Qatar Airways
6. Emirates
7. All Nippon Airways
8. Finnair
9. Cathay Pacific Airways
10. Alaska Airlines
11. SAS
12. Korean Air
13. Singapore Airlines
14. EVA Air
15. British Airways
16. Turkish Airlines
17. TAP Air Portugal
18. Lufthansa/Swiss Group
19. KLM
20. Japan Airlines

The table is based on safety record/size of fleet/number of flights.