These are the world’s most dangerous airlines

JACDEC Airline Safety Ranking

All airlines selected have had “critical safety deficits” in the past. These were then ranked based on further criteria. 1st place means that it was ranked the most unsafe airline according to the criteria of the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Center (JACDEC).

• UT Air (Russia)

• Pakistan International Airlines (Pakistan)

• Lion Air (Indonesia)

• Egypt Air (Egypt)

• Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia)

• Aeroflot (Russia)

• Air India (India)

• China Eastern Airlines (China)

• Vietnam Airlines (Vietnam)

• Mahan Air (Iran)

Airlines with 0 out of 7 Stars:

A total of 385 airlines were compared here. The poor performance of the Russian airlines is also due to the fact that, due to the sanctions, no Western spare parts are supplied to the aircraft, calling into question the aircraft's safety and maintenance.

• Aeroflot (Russia)

• UTair (Russia)

• Rossiya (Russia)

• Ural Airlines (Russia)

• Nordavia (Russia)

• Pobeda (Russia)

Airlines with 1 out of 7 Stars:

• Pakistan International Airlines (Pakistan)

• Air Algerie (Algeria)

• Scat (Kazakhstan)

• Sriwijaya Air (Indonesia)

• Airblue (Pakistan)

• Blue Wing (Suriname)

• Iran Aseman Airlines (Iran)

• Nepal Airlines (Nepal)

🔍 Source: Handelsblatt, Airlineratings

Factors Influencing Airline Safety

While these rankings highlight airlines that have experienced safety issues in the past, it’s important to understand the underlying factors contributing to these results. Critical safety deficits can stem from a combination of poor maintenance practices, outdated fleets, or even economic challenges that limit the availability of necessary parts and resources.

For example, airlines from the most dangerous countries, such as Russia or China, may face certain sanctions, which impact their access to spare parts, which leads to unknown maintenance standards. Additionally, airlines from developing countries with less aviation oversight may face challenges in meeting international safety standards, contributing to their lower safety rankings.

Should You Be Concerned?

It’s easy to be alarmed when reading about airline safety rankings, but keep in mind that these statistics don’t always reflect the full picture. While airlines with critical safety deficits may have had serious incidents in the past, many have made efforts to improve their safety protocols in recent years. Additionally, safety measures are constantly evolving, and many of these airlines are subject to rigorous safety audits and inspections.

If you are concerned about flying Business Class with an airline from the above list, consider reviewing up-to-date safety reports, checking their current fleet age, and looking for recent safety audits. It’s also a good idea to book with budget airlines that have a proven track record of consistent safety performance.

Book Cheap, Safe Flights for Your Vacation

While Economy air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, it’s always beneficial to stay informed about airline safety rankings and make educated decisions when booking your flights, even if you book with the most expensive airlines. Airlines with a history of safety issues, such as those highlighted in the JACDEC rankings, may pose higher risks, but continued improvements and stringent oversight aim to reduce these risks over time.

Remember that rankings like these represent just one facet of airline safety, and factors like maintenance and training also play a role. Stay informed, and always prioritize safety when planning your travels.

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