Why So Many Plane Crashes Lately? Experts Explain

Growing Concerns Over Aviation Safety in 2025

Americans have been increasingly worried about air travel due to a series of aviation accidents and incidents that have occurred this year. Frequent travelers are now more cautious, as the number of reported aviation issues continues to rise. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been several alarming events that have raised concerns about the safety of flying.

One of the most tragic incidents took place at the start of the year when an American Airlines jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. The collision resulted in the deaths of all 67 passengers on board. This was followed by a medical transport plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia, a United Airlines flight that started smoking shortly before takeoff in Houston, Texas, and a Delta Airlines flight that crash-landed in Toronto. The most recent incident involved two Delta jets colliding on the taxiway of New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

These tragedies have continued for months, leading many to question whether air travel is still safe. The global aviation community has also expressed concern after the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in June, which killed 241 people and left only one survivor. This was the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 jet. Just weeks later, another fatal crash occurred on July 13 at London’s Southend Airport, where a small aircraft burst into flames shortly after takeoff, killing all four people on board.

Plane Crashes in the USA So Far in 2025

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there have been over a thousand aviation crashes in the United States from January 1 through today. However, not all of these incidents have resulted in fatalities. While the numbers may seem alarming, it is important to understand the context behind these statistics.

Why Are There So Many Plane Crashes Lately?

The increase in aviation incidents throughout 2025 has raised alarm among travelers and aviation authorities. The causes of these incidents vary, including mechanical failures, pilot error, congested airspace, and gaps in emergency response. Investigative agencies such as the NTSB in the U.S. and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are working to determine the root causes of these events.

Experts suggest that while the frequency of incidents is concerning, it does not necessarily mean that air travel is becoming less safe. According to aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse, passengers are “safer in your flight than you were driving in your car to the airport … statistically speaking.” He emphasized that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation.

“Air travel remains the safest mode of transportation,” Brickhouse insisted. “And in safety, we identify trends … something that happens over and over again. And in the safety world, if you keep having near-misses, eventually you’re going to have a midair (collision).”

Despite this, Brickhouse noted that he believes it is important for the flying public to be vocal and demand that the government and different entities do everything possible to make air travel as safe as possible.

Is It Still Safe to Fly?

In 2024, Bloomberg reported that it was the deadliest year for the aviation industry since 2018, with around 300 fatalities worldwide. These statistics highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety.

Some people struggle with a fear of flying, otherwise known as Aerophobia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 25 million American adults live with Aerophobia. For these individuals, the recent string of aviation incidents may heighten their anxiety.

While the number of incidents is troubling, experts continue to emphasize that flying remains one of the safest ways to travel. As investigations continue, the focus will likely remain on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of these events to ensure the safety of passengers and crew alike.