By: Dr Santanu Goswami, Consultant – Psychiatry, Narayana Hospital, Howrah
When the Skies Became Scary
The tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has left an emotional scar far beyond the site. As visuals flood news and social media, anxiety around flying has spiked across the country. For many, boarding a flight now feels like stepping into uncertainty. The fear isn’t irrational—it’s human. It’s time experts talked about fear of flying and how to deal with such fears and anxieties.
Passengers Gripped by Fear
Since the crash, more passengers are reporting panic, especially during takeoff or turbulence. Some have cancelled trips, while others experience anxiety just entering airports. Fear of recurrence is common, and in many, it manifests as racing thoughts, breathlessness, or even in-flight panic attacks. One tragic event has unsettled thousands.
Post-Crash Trauma is Real
Even for those not onboard, trauma can linger. News exposure alone can trigger nightmares, flight avoidance, or anxiety. Some develop lasting phobias. This isn’t overreaction—it’s psychological shock. Recognizing early signs can prevent flight anxiety from turning into a long-term disorder.
What Happens in the Brain
Our brain’s fear center—the amygdala—goes into overdrive after traumatic events. Even safe flights can now feel dangerous. The mind begins to expect the worst, creating a loop of fear. Without help, this loop hardens into clinical anxiety.
How to Cope and Heal
For passengers, simple breathing techniques and grounding exercises can help manage symptoms. If fear persists, therapy—especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—can be effective. For crew and pilots, airlines must offer non-punitive support systems, wellness check-ins, and mental health resources.
The Ahmedabad crash has left more than physical devastation—it has shaken our collective sense of safety in the skies. But while flight anxiety may rise in the wake of tragedy, it must not be met with silence or shame. Whether it’s a nervous passenger, a shaken pilot, or a cabin crew member masking their fear while calming others, every emotional response is valid and deserves acknowledgment.
We often talk about mechanical safety checks and technical preparedness. It’s time we spoke just as seriously about emotional readiness and mental resilience. The human mind is not built to forget trauma overnight. But with the right support—professional help, institutional compassion, and societal understanding—it can heal.