As holiday travel peaked during the last ten days of 2024, four aviation accidents across the globe highlighted serious safety concerns, claiming lives and sparking investigations.
1. Azerbaijan Airlines Crash
On Christmas Day, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight with 67 passengers crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after deviating from its route. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of accidentally shooting down the plane, alleging electronic interference and a cover-up. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences but stopped short of confirming the claims.
2. Jeju Air Disaster in South Korea
In South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident, a Jeju Air flight with 181 passengers crashed while attempting to land on December 29. Only two crew members survived, leaving 179 dead.
Footage showed the plane skidding without landing gear before crashing into a wall. South Korea declared a week of mourning as authorities investigated the incident.
3. Fire on Canadian Flight
On December 28, an Air Canada Express flight caught fire upon landing in Halifax. Passengers reported seeing smoke, but all aboard were safely evacuated. The incident caused brief runway closures.
4. KLM Plane Skids Off Runway
A KLM flight from Oslo to Amsterdam veered into the grass after landing at Sandefjord Airport on December 28. All 182 passengers and crew were unharmed. Investigations are ongoing.
