Are planes safe right now?

Buckle up: A wide range of mechanical or maintenance issues can come up before takeoff, delaying a flight, but they are often minor, experts say. — ©2024 The New York Times Company

SMOKE in the cabin. A tyre blowout. A cracked windshield. No shortage of problems can affect a flight, fuelling traveller anxiety and contributing to thousands of daily delays and cancellations around the world.

But for all of the frustration and alarm such events cause, it can be difficult to interpret and understand their severity. Here’s how aviation safety experts say travellers should think about disruptions when they occur.