Photo by Killian Pham

June 5, 2025

by Robin Oliverio, Ph.D.

Is it getting more dangerous to fly?

This September, I’ll be flying to Seattle. Am I looking forward to it? Well, I’m definitely looking forward to landing.

Throughout 2025, headlines have been filled with news of plane accidents and air traffic issues, reigniting anxiety for those of us who already feel uneasy about flying.

In January, the United States experienced its first fatal commercial plane crash in nearly 16 years – a collision between a helicopter and an airplane just outside of Washington, D.C. Then in February, a plane in Canada flipped upside down while landing, resulting in 18 injuries . In May, Denver International Airport experienced a two-minute communications outage with its air traffic controllers.

So far in 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported 51 fatal aviation accidents in the United States. That number feels high. But as with all statistics, context matters. Is this truly more than usual? Is flying getting riskier – or does it just feel that way?

Perspective, Please

You’ve probably heard that you are more likely to die in a car crash than in a plane crash . Technically, that’s true.

But is flying actually safer? The answer is: it depends.

Not all flights are created equal – just as not all vehicles carry the same level of risk. Riding a motorcycle, for example, is far more dangerous than driving a car. Similarly, commercial flights (scheduled flights on large planes) are much safer than general aviation (non-commercial, non-military flights).

Comparing driving and flying is tricky because driving is often a daily necessity, while flying is something most people do only occasionally . That’s why researchers sometimes compare fatalities per hour spent traveling.

By that measure, commercial flights are 1.4 times less likely to result in death than driving a car. In contrast, general aviation (e.g., personal flights) is about 14 times more deadly than driving a car. And while that sounds like a lot, it’s still only half as deadly as riding a motorcycle.

So yes, the level of risk depends on how and what you’re flying (or driving). But overall, your odds are still pretty favorable for a safe flying experience.

Is 2025 Off to a Bad Start?

If that hasn’t calmed your nerves, here’s something that might help: air travel continues to get safer.

To date in 2025, there have been 336 aviation accidents in the United States. Of these accidents, 188 resulted in no injuries, while 51 were fatal (resulted in at least one death).

That’s actually a slight improvement over this point in 2024, when there were 424 aviation accidents , 241 of which did not result in any injury and 54 were fatal .

The difference between the past two years? The January 2025 crash claimed 67 lives – making it the deadliest aviation incident since 9/11 .

Preliminary NTSB reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a combination of miscommunication, faulty altitude readings, and limited visibility – complicated further by the helicopter crew’s use of night-vision goggles.

Most aviation accidents boil down to two main causes: human error and mechanical failure . So how do we reduce these risks? Regulation plays a big role. Stronger oversight, more rigorous inspections, and strict adherence to safety protocols can help prevent mechanical issues. Meanwhile, better training and preparation can reduce the likelihood of human mistakes.

Flying will never be completely risk-free. But thanks to continuous improvements in engineering, regulation, and training, it’s safer now than it’s ever been.

As the countdown begins for my cross-country flight, anxiety may be my co-pilot – but I’ll also be flying with the reassurance of strong safety records, cutting-edge technology, and good old-fashioned regulation.

And if that’s not enough? Statistics, snacks, and noise-canceling headphones should help me get through.

About Robin Oliverio, Ph.D.

Robin holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is passionate about bridging the gap between science and policy. She focuses on using research to inform evidence-based policies that drive positive societal change. She is strongly committed to projects that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and she thrives in roles where science meets advocacy, communication, and impact.

If you have any questions or would like a particular topic to be featured, please reach out to Robin Oliverio, Science Communications & Media Specialist, at OliverioR@CarnegieScienceCenter.org