Flying can be a nerve-wracking experience for many, especially with the recent history of aviation incidents.
Several airlines have gained notoriety for their below-average safety records, and if you’re anxious about flying, it’s best to avoid these potentially unsafe carriers. Among them are Lion Air, Nepal Airlines, Kam Air, Tara Air, and SCAT Airlines.
Over the last decade, aviation has faced numerous PR challenges, with high-profile accidents making headlines worldwide. From the ill-fated Asiana Flight 214’s botched landing to the tragic crashes of two Malaysia Airlines 777s in 2014, and the Indonesia AirAsia plane lost at sea, aviation safety has been under scrutiny. The 2019 and 2020 Boeing 737 MAX disasters further added to the concerns, creating a perception of frequent plane crashes.
Thankfully, overall global aviation safety continues to improve each year. However, the most dangerous airlines often remain unnoticed, lacking the media coverage that may alert travelers to their risks.
3. Lion Air
Despite Indonesia AirAsia facing intense scrutiny following the crash of flight QZ8501 in late 2014, it does not rank among Indonesia’s most hazardous airlines. Nevertheless, due to its overall safety rating, it remains prohibited from operating flights to the United States and European Union, a restriction shared by fellow Indonesian carriers Garuda Indonesia, KALstar Aviation, and Sriwijaya Air.
However, the less enviable title of one of Indonesia’s most dangerous airlines goes to Lion Air, which has experienced multiple hull losses over the course of its operation, although only one of them garnered significant media attention. Interestingly, despite its concerning safety record, Lion Air’s allure lies in its remarkably low fares, making it a difficult choice to resist, even for those who prioritize safety and aim to steer clear of unsafe carriers.
2. Nepal Airlines
Pilots landing jets in Nepal undoubtedly deserve our empathy, given the formidable presence of the Himalayas in their flight paths, making some flights inherently riskier than others. This is not just a perception but a harsh reality, with Nepal Airlines standing out as one of the world’s most unsafe carriers.
Over the past three decades, Nepal Airlines has faced a string of nearly a dozen fatal accidents, despite operating a relatively modest flight schedule. Its safety track record has earned it a mere one-star rating out of a possible seven on AirlineRatings.com, a reputable site that assesses airline safety using various metrics.
What makes Nepal Airlines’ inclusion among the most dangerous airlines intriguing is its avoidance of the Himalayan airport of Lukla, often considered the world’s most hazardous airport. Even though Lukla serves as a vital stop en route to Everest Base Camp, Nepal Airlines chooses not to fly there.
The safety concerns surrounding Nepal Airlines underscore the need for greater scrutiny and awareness when selecting an airline for travel. Passengers should prioritize safety ratings and make informed decisions to ensure a safer journey.
1. Scat Airlines
The name of Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines doesn’t do it any favors, despite its seemingly innocent acronym standing for “Special Cargo Air Transport.” Unfortunately, SCAT’s safety record is far from favorable, but not solely due to the number of fatal crashes it has experienced (just one) since its establishment in 1997. Surprisingly, it has managed to earn a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous airlines in just over two decades.
The European Commission’s decision to blacklist SCAT is primarily rooted in a lack of confidence in its regulatory processes, which has also cast a shadow of doubt on other Kazakh airlines. If you have travel plans to Kazakhstan, it may be wise to opt for safer airlines, such as Air Astana, to ensure a more secure journey.
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Meanwhile, the UK and EU have struck new trade agreements aimed at reducing red tape around food and emissions. The deals mark a step toward improved cooperation and could provide a modest economic boost for exporters.
With uncertainty still hanging over global markets, investors are once again turning to precious metals. Gold and silver are gaining attention as safe havens, with silver’s industrial use giving it added appeal in an uncertain climate.
Elon Musk says he’ll stay on as Tesla CEO for at least five more years, while scaling back political donations. Despite falling sales, he’s confident in Tesla’s global strength and hinted at a future Starlink listing—though legal hurdles remain.
In politics, the Nationals have split from the Coalition, with some Liberals calling it a vital reset. Former PM John Howard wants unity, but a party review is underway to regain younger, urban voters.
Australia’s central bank cut rates to 3.85% as inflation eases, though weak spending and global risks remain. GDP rose 1.3%, showing signs of recovery.
And in Victoria, a $167 billion debt budget sparked outrage, with protests over job cuts and a controversial tax as net debt is set to hit $194 billion by 2027.
Victoria’s budget forecasts record debt, proposes public sector job cuts, and faces criticism over tax increases and lack of clarity.
In Short:
Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has unveiled her first budget, projecting a $600 million surplus despite rising net debt and plans for significant public sector job cuts to save $3.3 billion. Reactions are mixed, with opposition leaders criticising increased taxation and insufficient focus on climate change, while some welcome funding for health and crime prevention.
Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has presented her first state budget, indicating a projected surplus of $600 million amidst soaring net debt, which is expected to reach $167.6 billion this year and further rise to $194 billion within three years.
The budget has flagged significant public sector job losses, with the government noting plans to save $3.3 billion by eliminating inefficiencies, although specific details on job cuts remain scarce. Symes mentioned that approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent positions are included in the savings, with additional cuts likely after a report from bureaucrat Helen Silver in June.
Debt bomb
Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the government’s approach to debt, arguing it burdens Victorians through increased taxation, particularly criticising the new Emergency Services Levy. The Greens have also expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting a lack of focus on climate change in the budget.
While the net debt is projected to remain stable, cost increases for state projects have amounted to $3.3 billion. Despite the looming cuts, the budget allocates substantial funds to health and crime prevention, including $11.1 billion for health services and $1.6 billion for crime reduction initiatives.
Tax revenue is expected to rise significantly, spurred by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which will place additional financial strain on landholders, particularly farmers. Reactions to the budget have been mixed, with some welcoming support for struggling families, while others decry job cuts and insufficient investment in regional development.