An increase in reports of airplane accidents has left passengers concerned about the safety of their flights. Experts explain which moments during a flight are the most dangerous.
After the accident between a plane and a helicopter in Washington, USA, at the beginning of 2025, passengers have been worried about air travel safety. Experts clarify the concerns surrounding the topic.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recorded 1,468 accidents in 2024, with 770 occurring during landing and 124 during takeoff.
CNN transportation analyst Mary Schiavo explained that the higher number of accidents during these phases of the flight is due to the stressful airport environment.
“Landing is an extremely critical moment, especially due to mid-air collisions and other risks,” she stated.
“During takeoff, you have the runway ahead of you. Still, sometimes other aircraft enter the route without authorization and attempt to land on top of another. But descent and landing are, without a doubt, the most dangerous moments,” she continued.
Experts highlighted a series of precautions that pilots and air traffic controllers take to ensure safety during these critical phases.
According to Denis Tajer, spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, the FAA prohibits any unnecessary conversation or activity below 10,000 feet, a practice known as the “sterile cockpit.”
“It is essential. We are always alert, but in these moments, we must be at the highest level of concentration,” said Tajer.
Despite the increasing number of accidents, experts stated that most of these incidents occur in general aviation flights rather than commercial ones.
“Last year, we had 195 fatalities,” said Mike Ginter, senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute.
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