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Lufthansa safety rating

Lufthansa scores 8.9 / 10 on the CalmFlights safety index, based on fatal-accident history, fleet age, pilot training hours and independent audits.

Safety rating
8.9/10
Fatal accidents (jet era)
2
Fleet size
280
Years operating
73

Why nervous flyers ask about Lufthansa

Lufthansa mainline has not had a fatal passenger accident since LH2904 at Warsaw in 1993. Its wholly-owned subsidiary Germanwings lost flight 4U9525 in March 2015 (150 killed) when a pilot deliberately crashed the aircraft — leading to widespread reforms in cockpit access procedures and mental-health screening across European aviation. Lufthansa runs its own in-house flight school and is widely regarded as the European standard for pilot training.

By the numbers

  • Founded: 1953 (73 years operating)
  • Fleet size: 280 aircraft
  • Average fleet age: 12.3 years
  • Cumulative flights flown: 12.0 million
  • Fatal accidents (jet era): 2
  • Years since last fatal incident: 33
  • Average pilot command hours: 13,000
  • Certifications: IOSA certified · EASA regulated
  • Incidents in the last 5 years: 1

How it compares

A safety rating of 8.9 places Lufthansa in the upper tier of major carriers. The global average for IOSA-certified airlines hovers around 8.4.

What this means for you

Lufthansa has not had a fatal passenger incident in over 33 years. Modern operating procedures, equipment and training are very different from when those older events occurred.

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Data accuracy: Figures above are compiled from publicly reported sources including the Aviation Safety Network, ICAO, EASA, FAA and airline annual reports. Numbers are refreshed periodically and may lag recent events by several months. For authoritative accident-investigation conclusions, consult the relevant national investigation board (NTSB, BEA, AAIB, JTSB, TSB Canada, etc).

Frequently asked questions

Is Lufthansa safe to fly?
Yes. Lufthansa scores 8.9/10 on the CalmFlights safety index. It has had 2 fatal jet-era incidents, with the last 33 years ago. Pilot command hours average 13,000, and the airline holds IOSA certified · EASA regulated certifications.
When was Lufthansa founded?
Lufthansa was founded in 1953 and has been operating for 73 years. It currently flies a fleet of 280 aircraft with an average age of 12.3 years.
How does Lufthansa's safety record compare to other airlines?
Lufthansa's safety rating of 8.9 places it in the upper tier of major carriers. The global average for IOSA-certified airlines is around 8.4. Over 12.0 million cumulative flights, the carrier has had 2 fatal incidents.
How old is Lufthansa's fleet?
Lufthansa's fleet averages 12.3 years old. While older than the global average, all commercial aircraft must pass identical inspection cycles regardless of age.
How many incidents has Lufthansa had recently?
Lufthansa has reported 1 non-fatal operational incidents in the last 5 years. Note that "incident" in aviation often means minor events like engine warnings or runway excursions — most never reach passenger awareness. The fatal-accident count remains a more meaningful safety signal.