Most travelers are comfortable with flying, but some nervous flyers may experience increased anxiety following recent deadly plane crashes in Washington DC and South Korea.
If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone—according to Australian Aviation, one in three Australians suffer from aviophobia, the fear of flying.
Dr. Sara Quinn, CEO of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), explained that the recent frequency of these accidents can amplify anxiety.
“The more we are exposed to these incidents, the more likely they are to affect how we view the world and our own safety,” she said.
The feeling of helplessness contributes to a heightened fear of flying.
Dr. Quinn noted that humans often struggle to cope with a loss of control, which can trigger panic and a “chain reaction” of fear responses.
However, anxious flyers can manage their fear with techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Dr. Quinn emphasized that learning how to manage physical symptoms like sweating and a racing heart can significantly reduce distress.
Several Australian airlines, including Virgin Australia, offer support for nervous flyers.
Virgin Australia’s ‘Nervous Flyers Program’ includes pre-flight tips, in-flight meditation, and special attention from cabin crew to help manage anxiety during the flight.
