ISLAMABAD: A string of aviation accidents in December 2024 has raised serious concerns about global air safety standards, with seven incidents reported, claiming hundreds of lives and shaking public confidence in air travel.
These tragedies—caused by technical failures, adverse weather, and other factors—highlight critical vulnerabilities in the aviation industry.
This month, the aviation industry has seen seven such incidents across different countries, including Kazakhstan, South Korea, Canada, Norway, Germany, and the UAE.
Sadly, aviation disasters have claimed hundreds of lives and shattered public confidence in air travel safety.
These incidents, caused by factors ranging from technical failures and severe weather conditions to external interference, have triggered widespread concern about the aviation industry’s safety protocols.
Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Crashes in Kazakhstan
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, travelling from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, was shot down near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives of the 67 passengers and crew on board.
Azerbaijani officials have confirmed that the plane was struck by an unintentional Russian missile. President Aliyev stated that the aircraft was damaged by ground fire and electronic warfare over Russian territory. He has demanded an apology from Moscow, along with compensation for the victims.
South Korea Plane Crash: 179 Dead
The deadliest crash occurred on December 28, when a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed while attempting to land at Muan Airport in South Korea, after returning from Bangkok. The aircraft reportedly lost control while landing and crashed into a concrete barrier.
The impact sparked a devastating fire that destroyed the plane, resulting in the deaths of at least 179 of the 181 people on board. The crash left only two survivors, both flight attendants pulled from the wreckage.
The flight earlier was warned of a bird strike by the control tower as it came into land.
According to aviation experts, bird strikes can cause fires to the aircraft engines, damaging systems which can cause the landing gear failure. In such cases pilots go for a “belly landing” and the planes are designed to bear this in emergencies.
Read also: WHO Demands Israel Release Gaza Hospital Director
Former pilot Kim Kwang-il says the landing was remarkably well-executed but there should not have been any solid structures in the area, to allow for emergency landings — and if the wall had not been there, lives could have been saved.
Experts say Muan’s Bird Strike Prevention Committee is facing a shortage of staff and only one person was working to prevent bird strikes on the day of the deadly accident.
KLM Flight Skids Off Runway in Norway
A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 was forced to make an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport on December 28 after encountering difficulties during its approach.
Upon landing, the aircraft veered off the runway and skidded into a grassy area. Thankfully, all 182 people on board—176 passengers and six crew members—escaped unharmed.
According to authorities, the aircraft experienced a malfunction in its hydraulic system.
Air Canada Plane Incident
An Air Canada flight skidded off the runway and partially caught fire at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Sunday. According to initial reports, a malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear led to the incident. There were no causalities. The landing gear failure again put a question mark on the safety standards of the airlines.
UAE Plane Crash
A light aircraft crashed off the coast of Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE on Sunday, killing the pilot and co-pilot. The General Civil Aviation Authority has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The very next day, the Emirates flight bound for Incheon, South Korea, was diverted because of a strong snowstorm that disrupted air traffic. However, it landed safely at an alternative airport.
Plane Crashes at Germany’s Stuttgart Airport
A Cessna C-172 crashed near the Stuttgart Airport runway on Sunday afternoon, injuring two people and causing disruptions to air traffic. The pilot suffered minor injuries, while the passenger was hospitalised with serious injuries.
The crash is believed to be caused by poor visibility. Flights were suspended for 90 minutes as emergency response teams managed the situation.
Jeju Air Flight Emergency Landing
Jeju Air Flight 7C101, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 161 passengers, met a landing gear issue soon after taking off from Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. The pilot promptly decided to return to Gimpo airport and managed to land the plane safely. There were no injuries reported, and all 161 passengers on board were unharmed.
The cause of the landing gear issue is currently under investigation.
Comprehensive Investigations Launched
These incidents have led global aviation authorities to launch comprehensive investigations to determine the root causes, whether stemming from mechanical failures, human errors, or external factors such as weather and geopolitical tensions.
The findings are anticipated to drive the implementation of improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Each day, over 100,000 flights operate globally, transporting more than 12 million passengers. However, four incidents within a single week—three of them occurring on the same day—are likely to make passengers more cautious about the current safety standards of the airlines.
The recent spate of air crashes underscores the urgent need for enhanced global aviation safety measures. As authorities investigate the root causes, it is imperative for airlines, regulators, and governments to collaborate on stricter safety protocols and infrastructure improvements.
