False Economy: Foreign Correspondent

Thousands of Australians book their holidays on cheap foreign airlines – but how safe are they? This Foreign Correspondent special report by Samantha Hawley and Suzanne Smith reveals troubling evidence about the safety of some budget carriers.

A dogfight has broken out in the skies to Australia's north. As Australians demand cheaper travel and Asia's swelling middle classes take to the air, airlines are waging a cut-throat war for market share.

But in the quest for bums on seats, is safety being sacrificed?

"Maybe it's not a good idea to fly some of those airlines. Aviation's not really forgiving." – Asia-based airline captain

Foreign Correspondent reveals disturbing issues with poor safety standards and pilot training in some Asian budget carriers – including one that shuttles thousands of vacationing Australians to Bali every year.