An uptick in media focus on aviation incidents in the U.S. has brought attention to safety concerns, though fewer incidents have been recorded in 2025 compared to previous years.

This year has highlighted significant safety challenges facing U.S. air traffic control, sparking media scrutiny despite  the fact that there has been decrease in the actual number of reported aviation incidents, as Just the News reports.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there have been 119 aviation incidents within the initial months of 2025. These figures reflect a decrease from the number of incidents historically observed in the same period in past years.

January of the prior year, 2024, reported 80 accidents, whereas January 2025 saw 64. February had similarly lower figures, with 55 incidents recorded compared to 93 in the previous year.

Increased Media Focus Follows Tragic Midair Collision

The issue has captured public attention following several high-profile accidents, most notably a devastating mid-air collision last month between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter. This tragic event intensified the microscope on air safety, particularly given the resulting fatalities and the gruesome nature of the collision.

Michael Pearson, an aviator safety expert, emphasized that while the number of incidents hasn't increased, the nature of these accidents has become notably graver. "It's not more accidents," Pearson noted, "but those like the mid-air collision have become more deadly, drawing higher profiles."

In February, a collision at Marana Regional Airport in Arizona tragically resulted in two deaths. This incident brought to light concerns about airports lacking active traffic control towers.

Additional Incidents Add to Growing Concerns

Another incident involved an American Airlines flight that had to abort a landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to avoid a potential crash. Meanwhile, a Southwest Airlines flight narrowly avoided a disaster in Chicago, further underscoring pervasive anxieties about air safety.

Compounding matters, a medevac jet accident in Philadelphia soon following a lethal incident in D.C. resulted in the loss of seven lives. Also, the disappearance of a small commuter airplane in Alaska on Feb. 6 ended in disaster, with all ten passengers confirmed dead by the following day.

Concerns about staffing and quality control in air traffic have emerged as key factors contributing to these safety challenges. According to reports, staffing shortages have significantly taxed air traffic control operations, exacerbated by controversial shifts in hiring practices introduced during previous administrations.

FAA Scrutinized for Hiring Practices, Safety Issues

Critics of the Federal Aviation Administration point to the Air Traffic Safety Action Program (ATSAP) as a contributing factor to safety issues, offering immunity in certain conditions for self-reported errors. Michael Pearson criticized the initiative, describing it as a "big causal factor" for current problems.

Additionally, Pearson argued that there were questionable motives behind changes in FAA hiring practices, recalling alleged remarks that agency leadership reportedly believed there were "too many white people" and sought to eliminate the CTI program -- a criticism he attributed to historical grievances.

Federal authorities have stepped up to address these challenges. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that staffing shortages have been a "known challenge for over a decade" and reinforced the administration's commitment to resolving this long-standing issue. Duffy outlined a plan to increase starting salaries and streamline the hiring procedure to enhance safety and update governmental operations.

Transportation Secretary Commits to Staffing Solutions

"Our focus is to supercharge the recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring we have the right numbers to support air traffic operations safely," Duffy stated. He emphasized the necessity to adapt and modernize, given that safety remains the utmost priority.

This increased focus on aviation safety continues against the backdrop of a quieter year in terms of the number of incidents. Yet, the impact of these high-profile tragedies underscores the urgent need for a reliable and efficient system to ensure the well-being and security of travelers.

While debates over FAA reforms and programs like ATSAP continue, authorities and industry experts agree that the priority must remain centered on safety and effective management of air traffic.

Call for Focused Efforts on Air Travel Safety

The aviation industry faces constant scrutiny, demanding precision and reliability to maintain public confidence amidst growing traffic and potential risks. As efforts to address staffing challenges and improve safety protocols unfold, the true measure of success lies in preventing future tragedies like those seen early in 2025.

As policymakers and the aviation industry continue to navigate these complex waters, it is clear that a concerted effort to tackle staffing and protocol deficiencies is essential. The national dialogue set forth by these tragic events underscores the imperative for swift and decisive action in ensuring the safety of the skies.