In recent months, a noticeable increase in reports of airplane mishaps, near-misses, and crashes has prompted growing concern among travelers and aviation experts alike. Whether it’s high-profile emergency landings, technical failures, or runway close calls, these incidents have become more frequent fixtures in news headlines. Naturally, this raises an urgent question: Are we still safe to fly? And if not, who or what is to blame?
Some critics have pointed fingers at the Department of Operational and Government Efficiency (DOGE) program, an initiative intended to streamline and modernize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the broader U.S. aviation system. Others argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the aviation workforce may be undermining safety — a controversial claim that lacks substantial evidence but is nonetheless circulating among commentators and some officials. On the other side of the debate, many industry insiders suggest that aging aircraft, outdated infrastructure, and a growing shortage of experienced personnel are more likely at the heart of these issues.
To begin unpacking this complex issue, it’s important to ask whether airplane mishaps are actually on the rise or whether the media is simply reporting on them more aggressively. Aviation experts point out that air travel remains one of the safest forms of transportation, with incidents still being incredibly rare compared to the number of flights that operate daily without issue.
According to FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data, the number of fatal airline accidents in the U.S. has remained low for decades. In 2023, for instance, there were only a handful of fatal commercial airline incidents, despite over 16 million flights operating safely that year. However, non-fatal incidents, such as engine failures, emergency landings, or minor runway mishaps, appear to be increasing in frequency — or at least in public attention. This may reflect a heightened sensitivity in reporting, especially in a time when travelers are still recovering from pandemic-era uncertainties.
The DOGE program, launched with the intention of upgrading FAA systems, improving airport technology, and enhancing flight safety protocols, has come under fire from some corners for allegedly introducing bureaucratic complexity and delays. Critics claim that the push for automation and cost-saving measures may have contributed to gaps in safety oversight, particularly when it comes to air traffic control systems, many of which are still running on aging infrastructure.
However, aviation analysts argue that DOGE’s primary goal is to address existing inefficiencies and enhance safety, not compromise it. Many of DOGE’s reforms are still being rolled out, meaning it may be premature to pin current problems on a program still in development.
The suggestion that DEI initiatives are leading to a decline in aviation safety has become a talking point in some political and media circles. The argument, broadly, is that hiring for diversity might be prioritized over competence. Yet, aviation experts and regulators have firmly pushed back on this narrative, emphasizing that all pilots, air traffic controllers, and mechanics must meet rigorous FAA standards regardless of their background.
In fact, DEI initiatives aim to broaden the talent pool and address historical underrepresentation in the industry, not to lower the bar for safety-critical positions. There is currently no public evidence to support claims that DEI policies have directly caused or contributed to any specific aviation incident.
What is increasingly cited by insiders as a critical problem is the aging fleet of aircraft and outdated airport technology, combined with a shortage of qualified personnel. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the average age of many commercial airplanes in the U.S. fleet is over 15 years, and while planes are maintained to strict standards, older planes require more frequent repairs.
In addition, the aviation industry is experiencing a shortfall of pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers, many of whom retired early during the pandemic or left due to job stress. Training new personnel takes time, and while airlines and the FAA are ramping up hiring and training, staffing gaps remain a concern, potentially contributing to recent close calls and mishaps.
There’s broad agreement among experts that a comprehensive safety review is needed — one that looks beyond sensational headlines to analyze systemic risks. The FAA has acknowledged recent issues and has pledged to enhance oversight, increase inspections, and modernize air traffic systems. Airlines, for their part, are under pressure to ensure that maintenance schedules are met and that pilots and staff are adequately trained and supported.
Moreover, transparency from the FAA and airlines is critical to maintaining public trust. Travelers need to know not only that safety is being taken seriously but that meaningful action is underway to address both real and perceived risks.
For now, the answer remains yes, according to aviation safety data. Flying continues to be vastly safer than driving or other forms of transport. However, the uptick in incidents — whether caused by aging fleets, staffing shortages, or modernization growing pains — cannot be ignored. The FAA and the broader aviation industry must communicate clearly with the public and work diligently to address these concerns before a major disaster makes the headlines for the wrong reasons.
