Scared To Fly Again After The Recent Plane Crash? How To Manage That Anxiety?

A recent aviation accident in Ahmedabad has left a deep impact — not just on those directly involved, but on countless others who heard the news, felt their chest tighten, and quietly thought: “What if that was me?”

That moment of helplessness lingers. It’s raw. It’s real.

Even for those who have flown often without fear, something changes after seeing headlines like these. Air travel, which once felt routine or even exciting, now carries an uneasy undercurrent. Some are reconsidering plans. Others are lying awake the night before their flight. But most are pushing forward, because flying is often necessary — for work, for family, for life.

As discussed with our therapist (Evelyn Raghel Thomas), we want to offer comfort that isn’t sugar-coated — not empty reassurances, but grounded tools and emotional space to help you cope if you're feeling overwhelmed.

1. What You’re Feeling Is Normal — and Shared

Let’s start here: Your fear makes sense.

You don’t need to “get over it” or “toughen up.” Tragedies shake us because they strike at the core of what we value most — safety, stability, the lives of people just like us.

Even if you’ve flown many times before, it’s okay to feel different now. Emotions aren’t always logical. Fear, especially after such tragedies, is not a flaw—it's a signal. A sign that something in the world felt out of your control.

Additionally, you are not alone in your feelings. Quiet fears are echoing in airports, homes, and offices across the world right now.

2. You Can Be Scared — And Still Fly

Many believe that moving forward requires being fearless, but in truth, courage means confronting fear—not living without it.

• You can feel anxious and still show up at the airport.
• Even with shaky hands, you can still fasten your seatbelt.
•  You can remain strong while whispering calming phrases to yourself.

Flight anxiety after a tragedy doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you — it means you’re human.

Also Check: 5 Questions You Can Ask Yourself When Feeling Anxious

3. Understanding What Triggers the Fear

Try to name what exactly scares you about flying right now. Is it:

• The memory of the crash in the news?
• Feeling like you’re not in control?
• Thoughts of leaving loved ones behind?

Naming the fear helps shrink it. It turns an invisible monster into something you can face.

Sometimes writing it down or talking to someone safe can bring immense relief.

4. Let Your Body Know It’s Safe

Anxiety isn't just a mental state; it also exists physically. If your heart races or your chest tightens just thinking about flying, you’re not imagining it.

Try this:

• Ground yourself with the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.
• Breathe deeply: Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, then exhale for six. Repeat until your shoulders are lower.
• Touch something soft: a scarf, a sweater, or even the armrest of your seat — anything that brings you back to the present.

Sometimes, anxiety is your body asking you, “Am I safe?” And you might calmly say, "Yes, I am, right now."

5. Avoid the News Loop

It’s natural to want to understand what happened in Ahmedabad. But constant exposure to crash coverage can intensify trauma responses — especially if you're already anxious.

Reading every update won’t make you safer — it may only deepen the fear.

Allow yourself to take a break from headlines. Your nervous system will thank you.

Also Read: Helping A Loved One With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

6. Replace “What If” with “What Is”

Our minds love to spiral:

• “What if something goes wrong on my flight?”
• “What if I leave and never return?”

These thoughts feel heavy because they’re rooted in fear — not in current reality.

Try gently replacing them:

• “Right now, I am okay.”
• “Right now, I am preparing to fly with professionals who are trained for safety.”
• “Right now, my body is anxious, but I’m still in control.”

It won't make the fear go away, but it can help stop the spiral.

7. Bring Your Comfort Along

This isn’t the time to be a minimalist. Pack what helps:

• A playlist of calming songs or nature sounds
• A photo of someone you love
• A comforting scent like lavender oil
• A journal or book to distract and anchor you

Create a small “bubble of peace” during your flight. You deserve to feel comforted.

8. Talk It Out — With a Therapist or Someone You Trust

You don’t need to navigate this alone. If flying feels impossible or your anxiety is spilling into daily life, therapy can help. Especially approaches like:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for challenging anxious thoughts
• Exposure therapy for rebuilding trust in flying
• Mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity

If therapy feels out of reach, even talking to a friend or colleague about your fear can bring comfort. Sometimes, simply knowing someone says, "I’ve felt that way too," can change everything.

9. Reclaim Control, Slowly

Maybe you don’t cancel the flight — but you do give yourself extra time at the airport.

Maybe you don’t feel fearless — but you ask the crew a question to feel more informed.

Maybe you don’t feel calm — but you carry a calming app or book that steadies your heart.

Every small step helps you reclaim your agency.

10. It’s Okay to Grieve, Even From Afar

Tragedies like the Ahmedabad crash create collective grief. Even if you didn’t know anyone involved, it’s okay to feel heavy, sad, or shaken.

Let yourself feel. Light a candle. Say a quiet prayer. Talk to someone. These rituals are not just for closure — they help your heart process what your mind cannot make sense of.

In Closing: You Are Not Alone in This

If flight anxiety has taken root in you after this tragedy, know this:

• You are not dramatic.
• You are not weak.
• You are not broken.
• You are responding the way many people are — quietly, deeply, and humanly.

And step by step, with support, understanding, and kindness, you will feel safe again.