Key facts
- Recent aviation incidents, including a fatal collision over Washington D.C., have heightened concerns about air travel safety.
- FAA officials have acknowledged that air safety measures may be insufficient.
- Surveys and anecdotal evidence from flight attendants and psychologists indicate a rise in anxiety surrounding flying.
- U.S. air travel volume decreased in early 2024 compared to the prior year, with airlines citing economic uncertainty and safety concerns.
- Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is a significant anxiety disorder affecting millions, often developing in adulthood.
- Coping strategies for flying anxiety include deep breathing exercises, exposure therapy, and seeking professional help.
Concerns about air travel safety appear to be increasing, with anecdotal evidence from psychologists and flight attendants suggesting a rise in anxiety, even among those who previously did not fear flying. This trend is partly attributed to recent aviation incidents, including a fatal collision over Washington D.C. in January that killed 67 people, and acknowledgments from FAA officials regarding air safety measures.
U.S. air travel volume saw a decline in March and early April compared to the previous year, with airlines citing economic uncertainty and safety concerns as contributing factors. Polling by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that fewer Americans feel safe flying this year.
Flight attendants, particularly those working out of Washington D.C., were significantly affected by the January collision, with some seeking time off and at least one leaving the profession, according to Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants union.
Fear of flying, or aerophobia, is an intense anxiety related to air travel, often centering on take-off, landing, or the feeling of being confined. Research suggests it affects approximately 25 million U.S. adults, frequently developing in adulthood during periods of significant life changes. For many, the anxiety stems from a lack of control and claustrophobic feelings rather than a fear of crashing.
Experts emphasize that while air travel is statistically very safe, anxiety disorders cannot be reasoned away. For milder cases, techniques like deep breathing can be effective. More severe aerophobia may benefit from exposure therapy, which can involve gradually acclimatizing patients to stimuli related to flying, such as photos or virtual reality simulations. Psychologists also recommend practice flights and keeping a written inventory of symptoms as a way to accept and manage feelings of anxiety.