What Is The Riskiest Part Of A Flight? It's Not Flying Mid-Air

For many travellers, the thought of flying thousands of metres above the ground can feel intimidating. But aviation experts say the real story is quite different. The most important moments of any flight actually happen much closer to the ground. The recent runway collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York has also sparked fresh curiosity about which parts of a flight carry the most risk. Understanding why certain moments carry more risk can help passengers feel informed rather than anxious. Here's what experts and recent incidents reveal about the phases of a flight that matter most. 

Take-Off And Landing: The Critical Window

Although cruising altitude feels daunting, experts say it's actually the safest stage of any journey. According to aviation specialists interviewed by AS USA, the most hazardous moments in air travel are take-off and landing because "the margin for error is significantly smaller" when the aircraft is flying low and slow, leaving less time to recover from unexpected issues.
The AS USA report also notes that several recent incidents worldwide have taken place during these early and late flight stages, reinforcing what safety investigators have said for years: these short windows demand the highest level of awareness from pilots, as they are adjusting everything from engine thrust and aircraft weight to weather conditions and runway activity.

Also Read: Why You Must Keep Your Tray Tables Up During Take-Off And Landing

Why Take-Off And Landing Moments Matter More

1. During take-off, engines run at maximum power and pilots carry out several critical checks within seconds while also communicating with air traffic control.
2. Landing is just as demanding, as pilots must constantly adjust for visibility, wind, aircraft weight and approach speed.
3. Aviation psychologists quoted in The Jerusalem Post say passengers often feel more nervous during these moments because they are louder and more dynamic, even though these sensations do not signal danger.
4. The report notes that even when flight incidents dominate headlines, commercial air travel remains one of the safest forms of transport, and fear usually comes from unfamiliarity rather than actual risk.

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Real-World Examples: What Recent Incidents Show Us

Recent events show why take-off, landing and even ground movement require careful coordination. These examples aren't meant to alarm travellers, but to help explain how aviation safety systems work in real time.

1. Air Canada Express collision at New York's LaGuardia - March 2026

On 22 March 2026, an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 collided with a ground vehicle while landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport. The aircraft hit the vehicle at roughly 24 mph during its runway rollout, leading to multiple injuries and the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot. The crash happened entirely on the ground, showing that risks in aviation also exist during taxiing and runway crossings, where precise communication is crucial.

2. Air India crash in Ahmedabad - June 2025

The Air India crash on 12 June 2025 occurred moments after take-off from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, went down within minutes of departure. This tragedy highlights why the initial climb is considered one of the most sensitive phases of a flight: engines are under maximum load, altitude is low, and pilots have very little time to respond to unexpected problems.

3. Delta Air Lines emergency landing after take-off - May 2025

In May 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight DL2346 heard a loud bang near the nose-gear area just after leaving the runway at LaGuardia. The pilots immediately declared an emergency and diverted to JFK, landing the aircraft safely. Later checks pointed to a possible issue with the landing gear assembly. The quick and calm response from the crew shows how seriously pilots take any irregularity during take-off, when reaction time is limited.

Also Read: Why Flight Attendants Ask You To Keep Window Shades Open During Landing

So What Does This Mean For Passengers?

Understanding these phases doesn't mean passengers should worry. In fact, knowing why pilots focus so intensely on take-off and landing can be reassuring. Thousands of flights complete these moments safely every day because pilots train for them repeatedly, and modern aircraft are built with multiple layers of protection. Aviation psychologists say knowledge often reduces anxiety. As The Jerusalem Post explains, fear often comes from feeling out of control, not from actual danger - and becoming familiar with how flights work can make the entire experience feel more routine.

So next time you fly, remember that the skies are safer than ever. The most important moments of your journey are handled by trained professionals.