In 1985, Flight 182 was destroyed by a bomb over the Atlantic Ocean. All 329 people on board died. In 1978, Flight 855 crashed into the sea after takeoff from Mumbai. 213 people died.
In 2025, Flight 171 crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing over 270 people. These accidents give Air India one of the worst safety records in the world.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines had two major tragedies in 2014.
Flight MH370 disappeared with 239 people on board and was never found. A few months later, Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298 people. These two disasters shocked the world and gave Malaysia Airlines a terrible safety image.
Lion Air
Lion Air is one of Indonesia’s biggest airlines, but its safety record is troubling. In 2018, Flight JT610, a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX, crashed into the sea 13 minutes after takeoff. All 189 people on board died.
The cause was attributed to software issues and inadequate pilot training. Lion Air has also experienced other crashes, including those in 2004, 2013, and 2016, many of which involved runway incidents and pilot errors.
Nepal Airlines
Showing compassion towards pilots who have to land planes in Nepal can be a challenge due to the presence of the Himalayas, which can make it difficult for some planes to land safely.
Sadly, this is not only a perception but a reality, and Nepal Airlines is considered one of the most hazardous airlines globally. Interestingly, Nepal Airlines is not among the airlines that fly to Lukla, considered the world’s most dangerous airport in the Himalayas.
Kam Air
It’s highly improbable for the average traveler to have come across Kam Air, let alone consider booking a flight with it.
This airline operates out of Afghanistan and caters to a very niche market, but it isn’t a common choice for most people. Unless you’re a member of the U.S. military, you’re unlikely to have a reason to fly with Kam Air.
However, despite only being in operation for a decade, the airline has already faced multiple fatal accidents that have resulted in the loss of more than 100 lives.
Tara Air
Unlike Kam Air, which operates in Afghanistan, Tara Air operates within Nepal and has managed to maintain a low international profile.
However, the airline’s safety record has been scrutinized, especially considering its relatively short existence of just six years and one recorded passenger fatality. Despite its presence on the list of unsafe airlines, travelers can easily avoid Tara Air.
Nevertheless, if you happen to be flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, an airport known for its extreme danger, the thought of flying with Tara Air could be particularly unsettling.
SCAT Airlines
SCAT Airlines, based in Kazakhstan, has faced negative perceptions due to its name.
However, the airline’s safety record is not impressive, despite experiencing only one fatal crash since its establishment in 1997. Becoming one of the world’s most perilous airlines in just 20 years is no small feat!
The European Commission’s decision to blacklist SCAT was based on a general lack of trust in its regulatory practices, which has also affected other Kazakh airlines.
Sudan Airways (Sudan)
Sudan Airways is one of the worst airlines in the world due to its aging fleet, frequent flight cancellations, and terrible customer service. Safety concerns and lack of proper maintenance make it a highly unreliable airline.
Air Koryo (North Korea)
Air Koryo, North Korea’s state-owned airline, is at the top of the list. It is the only airline to receive a 1-star rating from Skytrax. Passengers report old planes, limited in-flight entertainment, poor food, and strict government regulations.
Air Koryo has very few destinations and outdated aircraft due to international sanctions, making it the worst airline in the world.
Aeroflot (Russia)
Aeroflot is one of the oldest airlines in the world.
It was once the official airline of the Soviet Union. However, during the Soviet era, it had a terrible safety record. Aeroflot has been involved in over 200 fatal crashes, mainly between the 1960s and 1990s.
Many of these accidents were due to poor aircraft maintenance and pilot errors. Today, the airline has improved its safety standards, but its past makes it one of the worst in aviation history.
