Aviation Safety and Sensitivity: A Call for Responsible Commentary in Times of Tragedy

In recent days, the aviation community has faced devastating losses, including the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines and Jeju Air accidents. My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by these incidents. As someone who experienced personal loss during the Saudi Flight 163 accident, I understand the lasting impact such tragedies have on families and communities.

Aviation professionals, commentators, and analysts are critical in shaping public discourse after accidents. However, in a rush to provide insights or satisfy public curiosity, there is a risk of causing further harm to grieving families. This article serves as a reminder of the importance of discretion, empathy, and responsible communication during difficult times.

In such times, allowing the facts to guide our understanding is crucial. There isn’t enough concrete information to form reliable conclusions, and speculation can do more harm than good. Let the investigation take its course.

The Power of Discretion

Graphic images and distressing content often surface following aviation accidents and are widely shared across social media and news outlets. While the intention may be to inform or raise awareness, the result can deepen the trauma of those directly affected. The Azerbaijan Airlines and Jeju Air accidents highlight the necessity for discretion when reposting such content.

Choosing not to share graphic material is an act of professional responsibility and empathy. Families deserve dignity and respect, as aviation professionals, we must ensure our actions reflect this. Our role is to analyse, communicate, and honour the human lives impacted by these tragedies.

Countering Misinformation and Speculation

The absence of immediate answers often fuels speculation, leading to misinformation and disinformation. This can undermine the integrity of official investigations and erode public trust. ICAO’s Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention provides a framework for conducting impartial and independent investigations to prevent future accidents rather than assigning blame.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the success of Annex 13 investigations depends on their impartiality and freedom from coercion or national interests. Investigations must be shielded from political and commercial pressures to ensure credible findings.

Despite its limitations, Annex 13 is still among the most credible and widely embraced frameworks for investigating aviation accidents. It establishes clear standards for transparency, inclusion, and conclusions based on data. Involving multiple countries—the operator's state, the registry state, the design and manufacturing state, plus states where fatalities occurred—introduces a system of checks and balances. This involvement from various states reinforces impartiality and ensures that a range of perspectives aids in revealing the truth.

Moreover, Annex 13’s focus on safety over blame aligns with the broader goal of fostering a just culture within aviation. Prioritising prevention and learning rather than punitive measures encourages openness and information sharing, which is crucial for advancing safety standards globally (ICAO, 2024).

The Jeju Air accident killed 179 of the 181 people onboard, making it the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil. Hundreds of grieving people have been camping at Muan International Airport in South Korea (BBC, 2024).

As Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, stated following the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 accident:

“Out of respect for the 38 people who lost their lives and to those who survived, we must find out why this catastrophe happened and take action to ensure there is never a repeat” (IATA, 2024).

This guiding principle should influence investigators and all aviation professionals engaged in post-accident discourse.

The Role of Leadership in Setting the Tone

Aviation leaders and senior professionals are pivotal in shaping the industry's response to accidents. By exercising discretion, prioritising empathy, and communicating with integrity, they set an example for others to follow. Sensationalism and speculative commentary can overshadow factual reporting, exacerbating the suffering of affected families.

Leadership in such times is not about dominating the narrative but guiding public discourse towards compassion, professionalism, and unity.

Long-Term Commitment to Families and Survivors

Having experienced personal loss, I know that the journey for families and survivors does not end with news coverage. The aviation industry must maintain long-term engagement through memorials, investigation updates, and meaningful involvement in implementing safety recommendations.

This sustained commitment honours the memory of those lost and reinforces public trust in the aviation industry’s dedication to continuous improvement and accountability.

Building Public Trust Through Transparency

While discretion is vital, transparency remains key to maintaining public trust. Aviation professionals can play an essential role in explaining investigative processes, timelines, and the safeguards in place to ensure impartiality. By bridging the gap between technical investigations and public understanding, we can help counter misinformation and reassure the public that lessons are being learned.

Highlighting how past accidents have shaped today’s safety standards reinforces the narrative that aviation is continually evolving to prevent future tragedies.

Mental Health and Support for Aviation Professionals

Aviation accidents affect not just families but also flight crews, ground staff, investigators, and commentators. The emotional toll can be significant, and it is essential that aviation organisations provide mental health resources and peer support for those involved in accident response and analysis.

Acknowledging the psychological impact on aviation professionals fosters resilience, ensuring the industry remains prepared to respond effectively to future crises.

Aviation as a Shared Responsibility

The aviation industry’s commitment to safety is built on collaboration – from engineers and pilots to regulators and analysts. In times of crisis, this shared responsibility must extend beyond technical investigations to how we communicate, engage, and learn from each accident.

To my colleagues and peers, I encourage the following:

? Exercise discretion – Avoid sharing graphic content or speculative material.

? Prioritise empathy – Centre the needs and experiences of affected families.

? Share responsibly – Amplify verified, credible information and challenge misinformation.

? Advocate for impartiality – Support independent investigations and promote transparency while defending the core principles of ICAO Annex 13.

In aviation, our collective mission transcends national borders and personal aspirations. By standing together with compassion and professionalism, we honour those lost and contribute to a safer, more united future.

References

BBC News (2024) 'Anger as families wait for victims' remains after South Korea plane crash', 30 December. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kx2pn3x18o (Accessed: 31 December 2024).

IATA (2024) IATA calls for a transparent investigation into Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243. Available at: https://bit.ly/4fFDBBM (Accessed: 28 December 2024).

ICAO (2024) Annex 13 – Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation. 13th ed. Montreal: International Civil Aviation Organization.