Air travel is one of the safest ways to get from one place to another, but not all airlines have the same safety standards. While many of them have excellent safety records, some have had a history of accidents, poor maintenance, or operational failures.
If you are a nervous flyer or simply want to make sure you are choosing a safe airline, knowing the airlines you choose and their safety records might give you some assurance and put your mind at rest. Here are some airlines with not-so-great track records.
Tara Air is a small airline based in Nepal and has one of the worst safety records in the world. The airline operates in extremely dangerous conditions, flying in and out of high-altitude airports surrounded by mountains. This makes flying very risky, especially when the weather is bad. The airline has suffered multiple crashes, including a deadly one in 2022 that killed all passengers on board.
Pakistan International Airlines has a long history of safety concerns. Over the years, the airline has suffered multiple fatal crashes, including a 2020 accident in which a plane crashed into a residential area, killing 97 people. The airline has also been caught using unqualified pilots, which led to a more than four-year ban from flying into the European Union. This ban was just lifted in early 2025.
Another airline from Nepal, Nepal Airlines, also has a poor safety record due to similar reasons as Tara Air. Many of its flights operate in the mountainous region of the Himalayas, where weather conditions can be unpredictable. The airline has had several crashes, with one of the deadliest occurring in 2014 when a flight crashed into a hillside, killing all passengers.
Lion Air is one of Indonesia’s largest airlines. However, it has faced many safety issues. One of its worst disasters was in 2018, when a Boeing 737 MAX crashed into the sea, killing all 189 people on board.
The airline has had other accidents as well, including planes skidding off runways and various technical failures. Many experts have criticised Lion Air for poor maintenance and pilot training.
SCAT Airlines, based in Kazakhstan, is another airline that has been flagged for safety concerns. It was also previously banned from flying into Europe due to its poor safety record. While the airline has made some improvements over the years, it still has a questionable past.
Look at sites like AirlineRatings.com - These websites rank airlines based on their safety history.
Check the EU or US blacklist - Some airlines are banned from flying in certain countries due to safety issues.
Research accident history - A quick online search can tell you if an airline has had major accidents.
Read passenger reviews - Sometimes, other travellers will share their experiences with poor maintenance or bad safety practices. This might help guide your decision in what airline to fly with.
While flying is generally safe, not all airlines follow the same safety standards. Airlines like Tara Air, PIA, Nepal Airlines, Lion Air, and SCAT Airlines have had multiple accidents and safety violations, making them some of the least safe airlines in the world.
Of course, just like every other airline, they have made changes and incorporated advanced technology to make flying even safer for their passengers. However, this does not erase their past. If you want to ensure a safe flight, it is always a good idea to research an airline's safety record before booking your ticket.
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