10 Years After Germanwings Flight 9525 Crash, Aviation Safety Progress and Challenges Examined

The deliberate crash by co-pilot Andreas Lubitz spurred regulatory reforms, yet pilot mental health and safety measures remain areas of concern.

The Germanwings Flight 9525 crash on March 24, 2015, killed 150 people when co-pilot Andreas Lubitz intentionally locked the cockpit and crashed the plane.
The tragedy led to regulatory changes, including recommendations for two crew members in the cockpit at all times, though this rule was later relaxed in 2016.
Mental health evaluations for pilots were expanded, with the European Commission mandating support programs in 2018, but stigma and underreporting persist among pilots.
The reinforced cockpit door, introduced post-9/11, prevented the pilot from re-entering and contributed to the crash, though no changes to this security measure were recommended.
On the 10th anniversary, international ceremonies in the French Alps honored the victims, highlighting both progress and unresolved issues in aviation safety and mental health management.