PUBLISHED: 5 Aug 2024 at 15:24
Recent data reveals a concerning surge in serious aircraft incidents in Thailand as post-COVID air travel demand rises. The Thailand Annual Safety Report 2023 indicates 11 serious incidents were reported last year, a significant increase from just two in 2021 and six in 2022.
Published by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, the report highlights that while serious incidents have escalated, the number of aircraft accidents decreased to two, down from four in 2022, continuing a downward trend since 2018.
The report emphasizes, “Despite a steady accident rate, there has been a marked increase in serious incidents since 2021 following the pandemic.” Most of these incidents involved commercial flights, with the remainder accounted for by private aircraft.
Definitions for “serious incidents” vary, but the report highlights conditions indicating high accident probability. Two notable serious incidents last year included an emergency landing at Hat Yai airport due to cockpit smoke and a plane that landed prematurely at Samui airport.
Birdstrikes emerged as the most prevalent issue, constituting nearly 43% of incidents, with a total of 1,610 occurrences related to bird interactions, including birdstrikes. Other wildlife-related incidents were reported much less frequently, with 410 total cases.
