Global Airline Fraud Drops as Europe Leads with 50% Decrease

Europe Cuts Fraudulent Airline Bookings in Half

Accertify’s new analysis revealed European airlines successfully reduced fraudulent booking attempts by half compared with the first six months of 2024. Fraudulent booking attempts on European routes now make up only 12% of global fraud, compared with 24% during the previous year.

Naples-Capodichino International led improvements, posting a 57% reduction, while EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg recorded an impressive 50% decrease. Kraków, Bristol, and Bologna airports posted the lowest fraud attempt rates, reinforcing Europe’s growing reputation as a safer travel market. However, London Heathrow and Portugal’s Humberto Delgado Airport still remain prominent high-risk hubs despite broader continental progress against fraud.

United States Sees Significant Reductions but Persistent Hotspots

The United States recorded a 38% year-over-year drop in fraud attempts, lowering the national fraud rate to 0.18%. This translates into only one fraudulent attempt for every 556 bookings, a significant improvement compared with earlier years of increased fraud pressure.

Dallas Love Airport posted the largest drop among major airports, down 69%, with San Diego and Chicago Midway also showing sharp declines. However, not every airport experienced relief, as Daniel K. Inouye International in Honolulu surged 175%, raising concerns for domestic carriers. Seattle-Tacoma International grew 40%, pulling closer to the national average, while Miami International still ranked as America’s highest-risk airport.

Asia Pacific Delivers Mixed Fraud Outcomes Across Airports

Fraud pressure across Asia Pacific declined 6%, but the region continues facing relatively higher risk compared with Europe and North America. Tokyo Haneda delivered the region’s standout performance, reducing fraud attempts 72%, supported by strong declines in Singapore and Tokyo Narita departures.

However, the region’s progress was offset by alarming surges, with Cairns and Perth recording 230% and 136% increases respectively. Auckland Airport also posted a 50% rise in attempted fraud, suggesting New Zealand requires stronger airline security and digital verification measures. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur International saw fraud attempts climb 114%, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport reported an increase of 47%.