Air travel anxiety: Plane crashes and their impact on air travellers' mental state

In recent months, the aviation industry has experienced a series of tragic incidents that have not only raised concerns about flight safety but also significantly impacted the mental well-being of air travellers.

Notable accidents include the mid-air collision over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., which resulted in 67 fatalities, and the crash of a Delta Air Lines jet at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where although 18 suffered some injuries, fortunately, all 80 passengers survived despite the aircraft flipping upside down upon landing.

These events have led to heightened anxiety among passengers. Experts note that while flying remains statistically safe, the psychological impact of such incidents can be profound. Dr. Nathan Carroll, chief resident of psychiatry at Jersey Shore University Medical Centre, emphasises that anxiety in response to these events is natural but manageable.

“Despite it being in the news so frequently, we know it's really safe,” he says. “There are thousands and thousands of flights every day that don't crash. If we compare it to cars, it's still way safer.”

This is further affirmed by a 2024 study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that the death risk per boarding for worldwide air travelers was 1 in 13.7 million between 2018 and 2022, reflecting a significant increase in safety over the past decades.

Strategies to cope include accepting and expecting anxiety, focusing on the benefits of flying, limiting exposure to distressing news before travel, and practising relaxation techniques.

To further alleviate anxiety, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about safety procedures, maintain open communication with flight crews, and consider professional support if flight-related fears become overwhelming. Others also advise that you carry along a book, puzzle, or deck of cards to distract yourself during a flight.