ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Aviation tragedies continue to impact the global air travel industry, with several major accidents in recent years claiming hundreds of lives. Below is an overview of some of the most severe air disasters since 2022, highlighting the regions most affected and the circumstances surrounding each crash.
2024: A Year Marked by Tragedy
South Korea – Jeju Air Crash
On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air international flight 7C2216 crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of 175 passengers and four of the six crew members. It stands as the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history.
Kazakhstan – Azerbaijan Airlines Incident
Just four days earlier, on December 25, Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 crashed in Kazakhstan after being diverted from Russian airspace. The crash killed 38 people. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated the aircraft was accidentally struck by ground fire from Russia, though Russian authorities have not confirmed this claim.
2025: Collision on the Runway in Japan
Tokyo, Japan – Runway Collision
On January 2, 2025, a Japan Airlines passenger plane collided with a smaller Coast Guard aircraft while on the runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Although the larger commercial aircraft caught fire, all 379 passengers managed to evacuate safely. Tragically, five of the six crew members aboard the smaller aircraft lost their lives.
2022: China’s Worst Crash in Nearly Three Decades
Guangxi, China – China Eastern Airlines
On March 21, 2022, a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 plunged into mountainous terrain in Guangxi, killing all 132 people onboard. The crash marked the deadliest air disaster in China in 28 years and led to a comprehensive review of aviation safety protocols across the region.
U.S. Military-Civilian Midair Collision
On January 29 (year not specified), an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft crashed into the icy waters of the Potomac River, killing over 60 people. The incident underscored the risks of mixed airspace operations near major civilian airports.
A Continuing Call for Aviation Safety
Each of these tragedies serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing need for strict aviation safety standards, air traffic control improvements, and crisis response preparedness. Investigations into these crashes remain crucial for preventing future incidents and saving lives.
