There have been two mid air collisions and 94 aviation incidents so far in 2025.
A passenger jet colliding with a helicopter in Washington DC and a Delta plane flipping at Toronto airport are just some of the aviation disasters making headlines.
Experts say the news could be troubling for those with flight anxiety, but there are strategies that can help.
“Flight anxiety is increasingly common given the rise in airplane crashes and the concern about airplane safety in general. Those who suffer from flight anxiety often feel caught between the need to travel and the sheer fear of being on a plane. Given that flight anxiety is generally related to a loss of control—that we can’t do anything to prevent a plane from malfunctioning or going down—it can be difficult to overcome the fear entirely,” Dr Carla Marie Manly, a psychologist based in California told Theravive.
“However, those with flight anxiety can work to address any underlying issues that may trigger flight anxiety such as chronic stress or generalized anxiety. If you need to take a flight, it’s helpful to pack a “flight care package” that includes soothing items such as mints, a gentle essential oil such as lavender, and a favorite lip balm. It’s also a good idea to include a few calming, “distraction-oriented” items such as playing cards, a good book, and headphones to listen to your favorite music.”
In serious cases of flight anxiety, Manly says medication prescribed by a physician may be required.
Avoiding sensationalized coverage of air disasters can also be helpful.
“It’s important to avoid news and social media feeds that focus on or sensationalize flight disasters; the more the psyche is exposed to anxiety-inducing stories and images, the more intense the fear will become. And, when other options—such as car or train travel are available, there’s no harm in taking another form of transportation,” she said.
A fear of flying, sometimes called aerophobia or aviophobia has a high prevalence, impacted up to 40% of the population in industrialized countries.
“Those who suffer from flight anxiety or a phobia about flying (aerophobia) often avoid flying altogether. When such issues negatively impact the person’s quality of life (e.g., relationships, work, or personal enjoyment), it is important to seek mental health support,” Manly said.
“Psychological support is often very helpful at helping those who suffer from flight anxiety and aerophobia face and move through the underlying issues. However, if the issue does not affect the individual in any palpable way—if it is more of an occasional inconvenience than an ongoing problem—it does not necessarily need to be addressed.”
When flying can’t be avoided, there are some steps Manly suggests can be taken to make flying a more pleasant experience for those experience anxiety.
“Those who suffer from flight anxiety often fare better if they avoid caffeine and sugary foods before their flight. As both caffeine and sugary foods can amplify anxiety, it’s best to drink water or herbal tea and each a protein-rich meal before traveling. In addition, the use of meditation and breathing exercises—particularly during triggering periods such as takeoff and landing—can reduce anxiety significantly. It can be helpful to talk to a friend, partner, or fellow traveler to ward of anxiety. Reading, games, and music can also be great distractions; engaging in anything that takes your mind off of the flight itself helps decrease anxiety,” she said.
Typically, a phobia of flying means a person experience an intense fear that is distinctive, enduring and can be irrational. The fear may stem from the possibility of the aircraft crashes and causing harm but the phobia may also stem from a fear of death, fear of embarrassment or lack of control.
“Research shows that mental health issues such as phobias result from a mixture of genetic factors, life experiences, and personality. For some, flight anxiety or aerophobia—once addressed—can resolve completely. For others, flight anxiety or aerophobia do not resolve despite their best efforts to address the issue,” Manly said.
People who experience a phobia of flying ay experience frequent panic attacks, increases in heart rate and blood pressure, hyperventilating and gastric distress.
But having a bit of nerves about flying doesn’t necessarily mean a person has a phobia.
“It is absolutely normal to feel uncomfortable (and irritated) in airports and on airplanes for a variety of reasons including noise, congestion, frenetic energy, and the myriad airport screening processes. In most cases, feelings of discomfort ebb and flow without causing distress. However, if feelings of discomfort rise to the level of chronic anxiety or panic, it is important to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional,” Manly told Theravive.
“CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) tends to be highly effective for treating anxiety and phobias.”