What’s Going On With US Aviation Safety? A Look at Recent Crashes and Rule Changes

August 21, 2025

Let’s not dance around it — if you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Why does it feel like planes are falling apart lately?” You're not imagining things. US aviation safety has had a bit of a rough patch recently. Between door panels flying off mid-air and near-collisions on the runway, even the most chill travelers are starting to side-eye their boarding passes. This post isn’t about panic — it’s about reality. If flying is part of your life, you deserve to know what’s actually going on behind the headlines. We’ll break it down without the fluff, and yes — we’ll touch on whether your favorite airlines are holding it together or barely hanging on.

First Off: What the Hell Is Happening?

Let’s do a quick rundown of the chaos:

• A panel literally flew off a Boeing 737 during flight Imagine cruising at 16,000 feet and suddenly there’s a gaping hole in the side of the plane. Not ideal. Luckily, no one was hurt — but it's the kind of incident that makes you question how these planes are being checked.
• Runway close calls In places like JFK and Austin, planes have come this close to crashing into each other during takeoff or landing. These aren’t small regional airports. These are major hubs. So yeah, that’s a problem.
• Frequent mechanical failures From engine issues to landing gear malfunctions, the number of in-flight “uh-oh” moments has definitely gone up.

It’s not that every flight is dangerous. But the number of “we almost had a disaster” moments is raising eyebrows — and for good reason.

What’s Causing All This?

There’s no single villain here — it’s more like a perfect storm of issues:

1. Old Planes Still in Use Some planes flying today are older than your first phone. Airlines are squeezing every last mile out of their fleets. Older planes = more maintenance = more chances for things to go sideways.
2. Staffing Problems Pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers are stretched thin. Post-COVID, a lot of experienced folks retired or bailed, and now we're relying on newer hires who are still learning the ropes.
3. Overloaded Schedules Airlines are cramming in flights to meet demand, which means less downtime for proper maintenance. It’s like trying to run a marathon without ever stopping for water.
4. Regulatory Gaps The FAA has taken some heat for being a little too cozy with aircraft manufacturers (looking at you, Boeing). When the people who are supposed to keep things in check get too friendly with the companies they're regulating… well, we get door panels flying off.

So... Are My Favorite Airlines Safe?

Good question. Here’s the real answer: Mostly yes — but be aware. Big names like Delta, United, American, and Southwest aren’t trying to crash planes, obviously. They’ve got systems in place and tons of safety protocols. But even the best airline is only as safe as its most recent inspection. Some airlines have been more transparent and proactive when stuff goes wrong. Others… not so much. So if your favorite airline has been in the news lately, maybe do a little digging. How did they respond? Did they ground planes? Did they own the issue? Safety isn’t just about what happens mid-air — it’s about how problems are handled before things go wrong.

What’s Actually Being Done?

The FAA and airlines aren’t just sitting around. Some positive steps are happening:

• Stricter inspections Especially on Boeing aircraft, after the recent high-profile incidents.
• Revisiting safety procedures From cockpit communication to air traffic systems, a lot of internal policies are being updated.
• Technology upgrades Airports and airlines are investing in better systems to avoid runway mistakes and speed up emergency response.

Is it enough? Time will tell. But at least there’s movement — and more public pressure than ever before.

Final Word: Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It Either

Flying is still one of the safest ways to travel. Seriously. But that doesn’t mean we should shrug off all these red flags and just hope for the best. US aviation safety needs real accountability, and passengers (aka you) deserve to feel confident when you board a plane. Whether you’re a nervous flyer or a weekly business traveler, stay informed. Ask questions. Pay attention. And if your gut tells you something’s off with an airline, there’s no shame in switching it up. Your safety > brand loyalty.

Got Something to Say?

Have a story, question, or concern about flying lately? We want to hear it. Contact us anytime. Also Read: Chicago O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Airport Offers Better Airline Options? Also Read: Chicago O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Airport Offers Better Airline Options?