After today’s tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, it’s understandable that many people are asking a question that feels more urgent than ever:
Is flying still safe?
While aviation is statistically among the safest modes of transportation, public confidence has taken a hit in recent years. Particularly, when incidents involve major manufacturers like Boeing.
In this article, we’ll break down the facts around flight safety, what’s behind the recent rise in aviation-related headlines, what legal options passengers and families have when the worst happens, and how a highly experienced aviation accident attorney can help.
Aviation Safety by the Numbers
Despite the headlines, commercial flying has never been safer. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the accident rate in 2023 was just 1.13 accidents per million flights. In the U.S., that number is even lower due to stricter FAA oversight and operational standards.
Aviation safety experts often compare today’s flying risk to the 1960s—and by those standards, your odds of dying in a plane crash have dropped by over 95%.
- 2023 accident rate (worldwide): 1.13 per 1 million flights
- Fatal accident rate (2023): 0.16 per 1 million flights
- Odds of dying in a plane crash: ~1 in 11 million
In short: yes, statistically speaking, flying remains incredibly safe.
What Makes Planes So Safe Today?
Modern aircraft are built with redundancy, automation, and safety systems that drastically reduce the risk of fatal accidents. Add in highly trained pilots, enhanced air traffic control, and strict international standards, and it’s easy to understand why accidents are so rare.
Key factors include:
- Fly-by-wire systems: Computerized flight controls with built-in safety responses
- Enhanced pilot training: Simulator hours + recurrent safety drills
- Regulatory oversight: FAA, EASA, ICAO, and country-specific aviation authorities
However, rare doesn’t mean impossible. When something goes wrong, it’s often catastrophic—which is why these events rightly receive serious attention.
The Rise in Airline Safety Concerns
So why does it feel like air travel has become more dangerous?
The answer lies in two overlapping issues:
- High-profile failures from major manufacturers, especially Boeing
- Viral media coverage and social media amplification
When a plane crashes, especially one involving a large airline or American-made aircraft, it’s not just a story, it’s a global event. And while these crashes are still incredibly rare, the scrutiny and emotional impact are very real.
What About Boeing?
In recent years, Boeing has faced growing scrutiny over safety—particularly after two high-profile crashes involving the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019. Although aviation remains statistically safe overall, the Boeing brand has unfortunately become associated with a string of concerning incidents that have raised both public and legal questions.
Here’s a quick look at major Boeing-related accidents over the past decade (one of which we actually represented victims’ families):
| Year | Aircraft Model | Fatal Accidents | Approx. Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 737 MAX 8 | Lion Air Flight 610 (Indonesia) | 189 |
| 2019 | 737 MAX 8 | Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 | 157 |
| 2020–2023 | Various Boeing models | Multiple smaller incidents reported | Varies |
| 2024 | 737 MAX 9 | Door plug panel blew off mid-flight (no fatalities) | 0 |
| 2025 | 787 Dreamliner | Air India Flight 171 crash (India) | Estimated 290+ |
Source: FAA, ICAO, and compiled news reports from 2018–2025
While the 737 MAX series was temporarily grounded worldwide after the 2018–2019 tragedies, Boeing’s safety narrative has remained under a microscope. In 2024, a widely publicized door panel failure on a 737 MAX 9 reignited public concern—although no one was injured. That was followed by the 2025 Air India Flight 171 crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking the first fatal incident for that model.
This pattern has understandably rattled public confidence. For many passengers, it raises the question: Can you trust the plane you’re flying on?
When Manufacturer Negligence Becomes a Legal Issue
It’s one thing for an accident to occur due to weather, pilot error, or bad luck. It’s another if the root cause involves faulty parts, improper oversight, or missed safety warnings. In cases like Lion Air, Ethiopian Airlines, and possibly Air India 171 (pending investigation), Boeing itself became a central figure in the legal aftermath.
If investigations determine mechanical failure, design flaws, or known manufacturing issues, victims’ families may have the right to pursue legal action against:
- The airline (e.g., Air India)
- The aircraft manufacturer (e.g., Boeing)
- Maintenance contractors
- Any government or regulatory body found negligent
These claims typically fall under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that outlines compensation rights for passengers involved in international flights.
Why This Matters for Families Affected by Air India 171
Although Attorney Omar practices law in Texas, tragedies like this ripple globally. Families from all over the world—including those with relatives traveling between India and the U.S.—may seek legal clarity and justice. Our role is not to exploit that pain, but to help people understand that they do have rights, even across borders.
If the cause of the aviation crash turns out to be related to mechanical or structural failure, survivors or next of kin may be entitled to significant compensation under both international and U.S. law.
What to Do If You’re Impacted by an Aviation Incident
If you or your family has been affected by a recent airline accident, it’s important to take action quickly and thoughtfully.
Here are key steps:
- Preserve documentation: Tickets, boarding passes, flight confirmation emails
- Gather evidence: Photos, videos, witness names, and statements if possible
- Request medical attention and records: Even for minor injuries
- Speak with an aviation attorney: They can help you understand compensation options under the Montreal Convention or local laws
Aviation cases are complex, especially when they involve international flights. Working with an attorney who understands the legal landscape is key to protecting your rights.
Flying Is Still Safe—But When It’s Not, You Deserve Answers
The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor every time you board a plane. But that doesn’t mean accidents never happen. And when they do, the legal, financial, and emotional toll can be enormous.
If you’ve been affected by a plane crash—directly or indirectly—and you have questions about your rights, we’re here to listen.
Call Attorney Omar today for a FREE consultation.