Worst airlines to avoid in 2023

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.