More incidents - but also a better reporting culture
The number of incident reports has been rising continuously since 2019. The reasons for this are complex:
- Increase in air traffic to the pre-COVID level
- Professionalised reporting culturealso in recreational flying
- Global centres of conflictthat lead to large-scale GPS interference lead
From the FOCA's point of view, the increased willingness to report incidents is a step forward: only with precise incident data can risks be identified, analysed and preventive measures developed.
Statistical highlights 2024 - selected developments at a glance
In 2024, the FOCA recorded the following safety-related developments, among others:
- +40 % GPS interference compared to the previous year - often caused by military activities in crisis regions or targeted jammers
- +20 % Near misses in the airespecially in airspaces with high traffic volumes or unclear communication structures
- +21 % Aircraft damage on the grounddue to ground vehicles or handling errors, among other things
- +32 % Take-off/landing conflicts ("runway incursions"), often due to misunderstandings during clearances
- +13 % Wildlife collisionsespecially with birds in the approach area
- +8 % Loading errorincluding incorrect weight distribution in the cargo hold
- Increase in laser attacks on approaching aircraft - a particularly dangerous phenomenon, as the glare can endanger pilots in critical flight phases
- Constant number of drone conflictswhich indicates effective sensitisation and regulation
In addition Four fatal accidents reported:
- A fatality in commercial aviation
- Three accidents in recreational aviationfor which a total of Six people died
- A serious helicopter accident with one fatality and one serious injury as a result of a collision with a power cable
Systematic approach: From analysis to prevention
The FOCA systematically processes all incoming incidents according to the five central safety areas:
- Flight operations
- Airfields
- Air traffic control
- Helicopter
- Flight technology
The severity of the incidents is assessed, causes are identified and appropriate measures are taken. Recommendations or regulatory measures developed. The focus here is primarily on the Protection from collisionswhich continues to be given the highest priority.
Technology offensive: FASST-CH project aims to improve airspace safety
To sustainably improve airspace safety, the FOCA has launched the project FASST-CH (Future Aviation Surveillance Services and Technologies Switzerland) was launched. The aim is to work together with the aviation industry to develop new technologies for Airspace surveillance, Automated conflict detection and Information networking to develop.
This is not just about large-scale commercial aviation, but also about solutions for the Recreational flying, Drone integration and Helicopter traffic in complex topographical regions such as the Alps.
Focus on recreational flying: StaySafe.aero as a preventive information platform
An important building block in the FOCA's safety strategy is the StaySafe.aero campaign. It is aimed specifically at General aviation pilots - including those who are travelling in gliders, motorised or microlight aircraft.
The platform delivers:
- Weekly articles on security-related topics
- Analyses of real incidents
- Tips on flight preparation, weather, technology and human factors
The aim is to, Promote safety awareness and at the same time a Culture of open learning to establish.
Conclusion: transparency and technology against security risks
The 2024 incident statistics clearly show that air traffic is not only becoming denser, but also more prone to disruption - whether due to technical risks such as GPS malfunctions, human error or global crises. The FOCA's safety strategy therefore consistently focuses on a Data-driven analysis, Technology promotion and Preventive information work.
Despite the rising number of reports, the goal is clear: civil aviation in Switzerland that can continue to operate under increasingly complex conditions. Safe, robust and adaptive remains.
Source references:
FOCA