IATA reports Africa had the world’s highest aviation accident rate in 2025, with 7 accidents and rising fatality risk, largely from turboprop incidents
Africa recorded the highest aviation accident rate in the world in 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Annual Safety Report.
The report highlights ongoing safety challenges, particularly in runway operations, turboprop aircraft, and timely accident investigations.
Seven accidents occurred in Africa last year, down from 11 in 2024, but the continent’s fatality risk rose sharply from zero to 2.19 per million flights, driven largely by turboprop incidents.
IATA noted that 71% of African operator accidents involved turboprops, with runway excursions and end-state events being the most common types.
Compared to other regions, Africa lagged in completing accident investigations, with only 19% of reports following Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention. By contrast, North America achieved 78% compliance, and the Commonwealth of Independent States reached 81%.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh pointed to airport infrastructure and nearby rigid obstacles as factors increasing accident severity.
He stressed the importance of improving runway safety, timely investigations, and civil–military coordination to protect aircraft from emerging risks.
Globally, 2025 saw 51 accidents among 38.7 million flights, slightly fewer than 2024, but with eight fatal accidents resulting in 394 fatalities, up from 244 the previous year.
Walsh reaffirmed that aviation remains the safest form of long-distance travel, while urging continued global efforts toward zero accidents and fatalities.
