Austrian Air: Safe Or Not?

Austrian Airlines, Austria's flagship carrier, has been a prominent name in air travel since its establishment after World War II. The airline has expanded its reach over the decades, overcoming challenges such as competition and economic fluctuations. As a member of the Star Alliance, Austrian Airlines has bolstered its international presence, offering passengers wider connectivity and smoother travel experiences. While the airline has received mixed reviews for its customer service and onboard amenities, safety remains a key concern for travellers considering Austrian Airlines.

Austrian Airlines' safety record

Austrian Airlines is considered one of the safest airlines in Europe. The airline has a strong focus on safety and passenger convenience, with cabin features designed to enhance the travel experience. The airline is also a member of the Star Alliance, one of the world's largest global airline alliances, which has significantly bolstered its international presence.

Austrian Airlines has a comprehensive fleet of aircraft tailored to meet the needs of its varied routes, including both short-haul and long-haul flights. The airline's commitment to safety and comfort is reflected in the design of its interiors, which offer a taste of Austrian hospitality.

While the airline has a strong safety record, there have been a few incidents reported in recent years. For example, in 2023, there were reports of smoke and fumes on board some flights, as well as bird strikes, lightning strikes, and technical issues such as hydraulic failure and problems with the de-icing system. Additionally, in 2022, there were reports of an engine shutdown in flight and a rejected takeoff due to abnormal engine readings.

Overall, Austrian Airlines is recognised for its comfort, reliability, and safety, and is a popular choice for travellers within Europe and beyond.

Customer reviews of safety

Austrian Airlines has been praised by some customers for its safety. One customer review from 2019 states that they choose airlines based on safety and how old the planes are, and that Austrian Airlines is "one of the most [safe] airlines". Another review from 2024 mentions that the airline is "fabulous" and that the customer would have a "safe flight". A separate review from the same year mentions that Austrian Airlines is "one of the safest airlines to take in Europe".

However, there have been several reports of air safety incidents involving Austrian Airlines. In 2024, there were reports of smoke, odours, and lightning strikes on board certain flights. In 2023, there were reports of fumes, smoke, hydraulic failure, and bird strikes. In 2022, there were reports of smoke, rejected takeoff, and emergency brake issues.

While some customers have expressed concerns about safety, it is important to note that these incidents may not be representative of the overall safety record of Austrian Airlines.

Safety incidents

Austrian Airlines, Austria's flagship carrier, has been a prominent name in air travel since its establishment post-World War II. The airline has a strong safety record and is known for its comfortable and reliable aircraft. However, there have been a few reported safety incidents over the years, which are detailed below:

• June 8, 2024: An Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LBJ, experienced smoke on board while climbing out of Vienna, Austria, for Zurich, Switzerland.
• June 3, 2024: An Austrian Airlines Embraer ERJ-195, registration OE-LWD, encountered a lightning strike while on approach to Klagenfurt, Austria, from Vienna.
• April 20, 2024: A slight odour was detected on board an Austrian Airlines Embraer ERJ-195, registration OE-LWL, en route from Bucharest, Romania, to Vienna.
• April 15, 2024: An Austrian Airlines Embraer ERJ-195, registration OE-LWH, experienced a lightning strike while climbing out of Vienna for Naples, Italy.
• December 23, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LBK, reported fumes on board during a flight from Tenerife South, Spain, to Vienna.
• December 21, 2023: Smoke was detected on an Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LBI, climbing out of Frankfurt, Germany, bound for Vienna.
• November 30, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LZD, suffered a bird strike while climbing out of Hamburg, Germany, en route to Vienna.
• November 30, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Embraer ERJ-195, registration OE-LWF, experienced de-icing system problems en route from Vienna to Geneva, Switzerland.
• November 17, 2023: An unusual odour was detected on board an Austrian Airlines Embraer ERJ-195, registration OE-LWD, climbing out of Vienna's runway for Graz, Austria.
• September 29, 2023: A slight smell was reported on board an Austrian Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration OE-LAE, en route from Vienna to Montreal, Canada.
• September 24, 2023: Fumes were detected on an Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LBK, arriving in Vienna from Naples, Italy.
• September 24, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LZA, experienced an incident where the captain was temporarily incapacitated while en route from Stuttgart, Germany, to Vienna.
• September 23, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration OE-LXE, reported fumes on board while lining up in Sofia, Bulgaria, for departure to Vienna.
• September 22, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration OE-LAZ, sustained flap fairing damage during a flight from Vienna to Montreal, Canada.
• September 15, 2023: An Austrian Airlines Boeing 777-200, registration OE-LPD, suffered a hydraulic failure en route from Vienna to Chicago, USA.

These incidents, while concerning, do not necessarily indicate a pattern of safety issues with Austrian Airlines. It's important to consider the context, such as environmental factors, mechanical issues, or unexpected events, that may have contributed to these incidents. Overall, Austrian Airlines maintains a strong focus on safety and has a good safety record.

Safety guidelines

Austrian Airlines, Austria's flagship carrier, has established a prominent name in air travel since its establishment post-World War II. The airline has a strong focus on safety and passenger convenience, with a fleet tailored to meet the needs of its varied routes, including both short-haul European flights and long-haul international journeys.

Safety Record

While it is difficult to ascertain the entirety of Austrian Airlines' safety record, a review of recent incidents is possible. In the past year, there have been reports of issues with Austrian Airlines flights, including:

• Smoke/fumes on board
• Odour on board
• Lightning strikes
• Bird strikes
• Hydraulic failures
• Delayed and cancelled flights
• Lost luggage
• Poor customer service
• Issues with special assistance

Safety Recommendations

When flying with Austrian Airlines, it is essential to keep the following safety guidelines in mind:

• Stay informed: Check the status of your flight before departing for the airport. Austrian Airlines provides updates on flight irregularities, including delays and cancellations.
• Arrive early: Give yourself ample time at the airport, especially if you require special assistance or need to resolve any issues with your booking.
• Follow instructions: In the event of an emergency, listen carefully to the instructions provided by the crew. They are trained to handle a variety of situations and will guide you through the necessary safety procedures.
• Secure luggage: Ensure that your luggage is properly tagged and secured. Keep valuable items with you at all times, and report any lost or delayed luggage immediately.
• Be mindful of restrictions: Familiarize yourself with the airline's carry-on and checked baggage policies to avoid any unexpected issues at the airport.
• Stay calm: Flying can be stressful, but it's important to remain calm and follow the crew's instructions in the event of an emergency.

Safety and flight irregularities

Austrian Airlines has been praised by some customers for its safety, with one reviewer calling it "one of the safest airlines to take in Europe". The airline has also been a member of the Star Alliance, which bolsters its international presence and allows passengers wider connectivity and smoother travel experiences.

However, there have been several reported incidents involving Austrian Airlines flights, including:

• Smoke/fumes/odour on board: There have been several reports of smoke, fumes, or unusual odours on board Austrian Airlines flights. In some cases, these incidents have led to flight delays or diversions.
• Bird strikes: There have been a few incidents of bird strikes, which can cause damage to the aircraft and potentially affect its performance.
• Hydraulic failures: Hydraulic failures can impact the functioning of various aircraft systems, including landing gear and flaps.
• Delayed or cancelled flights: Some customers have reported issues with delayed, cancelled, or changed flights, which can cause significant disruptions to travel plans.
• Lost or delayed luggage: Several customers have reported issues with lost or delayed luggage, which can be frustrating and impact the travel experience.
• Customer service issues: There have been mixed reviews of Austrian Airlines' customer service, with some passengers reporting rude or unhelpful staff, while others have praised the airline for its friendly and professional service.

While the majority of these incidents appear to have been resolved without major issues, they can cause disruptions and affect the overall travel experience for passengers. It is important for airlines to prioritize safety and work to minimize flight irregularities to ensure a smooth and positive travel experience for their customers.

Frequently asked questions