Aviation in 2025 remained safe, but individual risks were visible in daily operations

In commercial air transport, two accidents occurred, but neither resulted in injuries. Several accidents took place in general and recreational aviation, but none were fatal.
“Although serious individual events do occur, the overall picture shows that aviation in Finland remains very safe. At the same time, changes in the operating environment and emerging phenomena require continuous preparedness and risk management,” says Tapani Maukonen, Senior Specialist at Traficom.

In commercial scheduled operations, risks were linked to a small number of identified situations

Accidents in commercial scheduled operations are rare and in recent years have mainly been related to situations on the apron. Over the past ten years, four accidents have occurred, three of which involved a person falling from aircraft stairs. Boarding or disembarking is therefore perhaps the most risk-prone phase of the entire journey.

In 2025, the number of serious incidents decreased slightly compared with the previous year. In one case, a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on baggage began to emit smoke, but the situation was quickly brought under control. Events involving lithium batteries have become more common in recent years, and authorities emphasise the importance of following instructions.

Situations caused by turbulence have also increased, and in one case sudden turbulence resulted in a passenger being injured. Air passengers are therefore advised to keep their seatbelt fastened whenever seated, even when the seatbelt sign is not illuminated. 

Safety levels in general and recreational aviation remained stable

Seven accidents occurred in Finnish general and recreational aviation, which is in line with the long-term average. In previous years, there has typically been around one fatal accident per year, but last year there were no fatalities.  

The safety situation in Finnish general and recreational aviation has improved over the long term, although serious individual accidents still occur. Last year, one fatal helicopter accident involving foreign general aviation took place in Finland, resulting in five fatalities. The investigation by the Safety Investigation Authority, Finland is still ongoing. 

Changes in the operating environment were visible but not significant

The international security situation also affected aviation. Interference with satellite navigation systems occurred in Finnish airspace, but it did not have a significant impact on flight safety.

Near-misses involving drones and manned aviation remained limited in Finland and have decreased in recent years. However, slightly more such cases involving Finnish aircraft were reported abroad compared with previous years, although the increase has since levelled off.

Campaign launched to address unruly behaviour

The number of unruly passengers increased and clearly exceeded the long-term average. In 2025, a total of 283 cases were reported. In cooperation with industry stakeholders, Traficom launched a campaign aimed at reducing unruly behaviour and improving the smoothness of travel.

Safety work focuses on preparedness

During the year, Traficom updated the Finnish Aviation Safety Programme and the Finnish Plan for Aviation Safety. The work emphasises preparedness, readiness and risk management in a changing operating environment.