The World’s Most Dangerous Airlines: A Traveler’s Safety Guide
When planning international travel, safety should always be a top priority. While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, not all airlines maintain the same safety standards. Some carriers have concerning accident records, questionable maintenance practices, or operate in regions with lax aviation regulations.
In this guide, we’ll examine the world’s most dangerous airlines based on crash history, safety audits, and regulatory oversight. If you’re booking flights, consider avoiding these carriers—or at least researching their safety improvements before boarding.
1. Nepal Airlines (Nepal)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Poor Safety Record: Multiple fatal crashes, including a 2018 US-Bangla Airlines flight (operated with a Nepal Airlines plane) that killed 51 people.
Aging Fleet: Relies on outdated aircraft with questionable maintenance.
Weak Regulation: Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has been repeatedly criticized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
EU Blacklisted: Banned from European airspace due to safety concerns.
Recent Incidents:
2023: A Nepal Airlines plane skidded off the runway in Pokhara, injuring passengers.
2018: US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211 (operated with a Nepal Airlines aircraft) crashed on landing in Kathmandu, killing 51.
Should You Fly? Avoid unless absolutely necessary.
2. Kam Air (Afghanistan)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Sanctions & Poor Oversight: Operates in a country with almost no functional aviation regulation.
Old Soviet-Era Aircraft: Many planes are decades old and poorly maintained.
EU Blacklisted: Banned from European skies due to safety failures.
Recent Incidents:
2021: A Kam Air Boeing 737 nearly crashed due to engine failure.
2015: One of its planes crashed in Afghanistan, killing all 54 on board.
Should You Fly? Only if no other options exist in Afghanistan.
3. Ariana Afghan Airlines (Afghanistan)
Why It’s Dangerous:
History of Crashes: Multiple fatal accidents since the 1990s.
Sanctions & Corruption: Struggles with maintenance due to economic and political instability.
EU Blacklisted: Prohibited from flying in Europe.
Recent Incidents:
2020: A cargo plane crashed, killing at least seven.
1998: A Boeing 727 was hijacked and crashed, killing 45.
Should You Fly? Extremely high risk—avoid.
4. Blue Wing Airlines (Suriname)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Multiple Fatal Crashes: At least five deadly accidents since 2008.
Small, Risky Operations: Uses small propeller planes vulnerable to bad weather.
Lack of Oversight: Suriname’s aviation authority has weak safety enforcement.
Recent Incidents:
2020: A crash killed four.
2008: A fatal crash killed 19.
Should You Fly? Only for essential domestic travel in Suriname.
5. Scat Airlines (Kazakhstan)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Poor Maintenance Reputation: Multiple emergency landings due to technical failures.
EU Safety Concerns: Nearly blacklisted multiple times.
Aging Fleet: Operates older Boeing and Russian-made planes.
Recent Incidents:
2023: A flight made an emergency landing due to engine trouble.
2013: A crash killed 21 people.
Should You Fly? Check recent safety reports before booking.
6. Iran Air (Iran)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Sanctions & Old Planes: Struggles to get spare parts, leading to maintenance issues.
Multiple Crashes: High accident rate in the 2000s.
Weak Oversight: Iran’s aviation authority lacks transparency.
Recent Incidents:
2020: A Ukrainian passenger plane was mistakenly shot down by Iran’s military, killing 176.
2011: A crash killed 77.
Should You Fly? Safer than before, but still risky.
7. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) (Pakistan)
Why It’s Dangerous:
EU Blacklisted (2020-2023): Banned after a fake pilot license scandal.
Multiple Crashes: Including a 2020 crash killing 98.
Financial Troubles: Struggles to maintain its fleet properly.
Recent Incidents:
2020: An Airbus A320 crashed in Karachi due to pilot error.
2016: A plane crashed in northern Pakistan, killing 47.
Should You Fly? Check if still EU-banned before booking.
8. Air Koryo (North Korea)
Why It’s Dangerous:
Old Soviet Planes: Uses outdated, poorly maintained aircraft.
No Transparency: North Korea doesn’t allow international safety audits.
EU Blacklisted: Banned from Europe for years.
Recent Incidents:
2016: A plane caught fire mid-flight but landed safely.
1983: A crash killed all 23 on board.
Should You Fly? Only if visiting North Korea—expect a bumpy ride.
How to Check Airline Safety Before Booking
Check EU & FAA Blacklists – Avoid airlines banned by the EU or FAA.
