Anxiety in the air: The mental health aftermath of the Air India crash

India Today

8 hours ago

Each summer, Aastha Kanojia, a 56-year-old homemaker from Delhi, flies to Ahmedabad to visit her daughter and grandson. This June was no different. Her tickets were booked for the coming weekend, and she was just as excited as always. But then came the tragic news of the Air India crash.'I'm never taking a flight in my life. I would rather take a train,' she tells us. But why do trains suddenly feel safer to some people now, even though data suggests otherwise? More on this psychology later.)The ill-fated Air India flight AI 171, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel building in Ahmedabad within seconds of take-off on June 12. All but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8 were killed, along with 29 others on the ground, including five MBBS students.Anxiety grips travellersAastha is not the only one whose outlook on air travel has changed since the crash.Trisha (name changed), for instance, who is already an anxious flyer, couldn't breathe easy on Tuesday while her sister and mother were on a flight to Mumbai. Their flight was postponed twice due to bad weather and took longer than usual to land.'From the moment their plane took off to the moment I received the 'landed' text from my sister, I couldn't stop shivering in fear. It wasn't the first time they were flying, but the recent Ahmedabad crash kept making me play out worst-case scenarios in my head. I can't even express the amount of relief I felt once I knew they had landed safely,' says Trisha.For Manisha Singh, who has to travel frequently for work, the recent incident has left her deeply shaken.'I have had difficult flights before and have also experienced odd turbulences, but this crash has shaken me to the core. Two days after the crash, I boarded a flight and had tears streaming down my face the entire time. I held a Hanuman Chalisa in my hand and tried to focus on reading it, but I couldn't stop thinking about what if something goes wrong,' the 50-year-old working professional tells us.Flight anxiety is already a common issue among flyers. The altitude, unfamiliar surroundings, confined space and overall a lack of control can all contribute to anxious thoughts. The Air India crash has added to the mental health woes of travellers and their loved ones.
Flight anxiety has gripped many travelers in India following the tragic crash. (Photo: Unsplash)
While some are reconsidering air travel altogether, others are opting for carriers other than Air India and avoiding Boeing aircraft. Even if it means no refund.A Canada-based entrepreneur who travels frequently between the UK, Canada and India reveals he is experiencing 'a psychological block' about flying Air India again. 'I have always supported Air India despite delays and service issues, but now I feel betrayed. If this is a systemic problem, how can I feel safe on the next flight?'For frequent flyers like Ahmedabad-based Gaurav Singh, the incident has led to a renewed sense of alertness.advertisement"As someone who flies 5-6 times a month and that too from Ahmedabad (my work base), including at least one international flight on a Boeing aircraft, the recent crash has left a deep and unsettling impact. I find myself paying more attention during safety briefings, double-checking airline reputations, and being more mindful of the aircraft model I am boarding. As a frequent flyer, you build a quiet trust in the system and moments like this shake that trust, even if only slightly," says Singh.Civil aviation insiders also acknowledge that the crash has dented public confidence in the industry.'People are now paying attention to aircraft safety, maintenance records, pilot fatigue, issues they never considered before,' a senior airline official told India Today.Mental health experts weigh in'Several clients have brought up the Air India crash in therapy. Some people are anxious, while others are experiencing panic attacks or a resurfacing of past trauma,' Absy Sam, trauma-informed counselling psychologist, tells India Today.'An incident like a major plane crash can deeply affect people in many ways, even those not directly involved. It can create a widespread sense of vulnerability and loss of control, making us question our safety in everyday life,' adds Dr Chandni Tugnait, a psychotherapist and founder-director of Gateway of Healing.For some, it can directly trigger flight anxiety, also known as aviophobia or aerophobia.'What happens then is that it becomes difficult to distinguish between actual danger and perceived threat. The body responds as if it's experiencing trauma first-hand. This is what we refer to as vicarious trauma or secondary trauma,' explains Sam.The impact goes beyond 'just feeling nervous'. A tragic incident like this can incite a range of psychological, emotional, physical, and behavioural responses.'Intrusive thoughts like 'What if my plane crashes?' or a desire to avoid flying altogether are common trauma reactions, as the brain enters a hypervigilant state. Emotionally, intense fear, helplessness, and anxiety may surface, not just for oneself, but also for loved ones who travel,' explains Sam.These feelings often come with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, nausea, or trembling, and can be triggered even by booking a flight. As a coping mechanism, many begin to avoid air travel, obsessively check flight details, or compulsively seek out safety information.'Even for those who don't develop full-blown anxiety, there might be a general sense of unease, a heightened awareness of risk, and increased empathy for the victims and their families. The media's constant coverage can also amplify these feelings, making it harder to move past the immediate shock,' adds Dr Chandni Tugnait.Dealing with the flight fearFirstly, tell yourself that it is okay to feel this way. Feeling shaken or anxious in response is natural. Furthermore, you are not alone. However, know that managing flight anxiety is possible too.If constant news updates or visuals on social media are making you feel unsafe or uneasy right now, here are a few grounding techniques to help calm your system:Splash or wash your face and hands with cold waterHold an ice cube in your handPress your feet firmly into the ground or gently lift your heels while seatedDo you have a flight to board?Before the flight, try to engage in activities that soothe and regulate your nervous system.'For some, this might be journalling, prayer, meditation, listening to music, or reading, whatever helps you feel grounded and centred. You can also reach out to a therapist, a trusted friend, or a loved one and let them know how you're feeling. Ask if they can hold space for you. Simply being heard and supported can make a big difference,' suggests Sam.Box breathing: You can do it both before and after boarding the flight.Inhale for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Exhale for 6 seconds. The extended exhale signals safety to your body and helps regulate anxiety.Carry a comfort item: Something that gives you a sense of ease. For some, it could be a religious scripture, a photograph, or even something as simple as a cup of coffee. It really depends on what feels comforting to you.Bilateral stimulation: This technique involves rhythmically tapping each knee with the same-side hand - left hand on left knee, then right hand on right knee - in a steady, alternating pattern. It can help calm the nervous system. Whether you are jittery about taking a flight or battling anxious thoughts while the plane is cruising above 30,000 ft, this technique can come handy.Limit social media and news consumption: Sam also suggests limiting exposure to distressing or triggering content on the news or social media. Constantly consuming such information can reinforce feelings of fear.'Focus on reliable information about aviation safety statistics. Understanding how planes work, how pilots are trained, and how turbulence is a normal part of flying (like bumps on a road) can help make the process less mysterious,' says Dr Chandni Tugnait.Check in with the airline about their safety protocols: 'Understanding what measures are in place can help you feel more in control. Onboard, focus on complying with safety norms and trust the processes that are designed to protect you,' says Sam.Speak to the crew: Don't hesitate to tell the flight attendants that you're a nervous flyer. They are trained to help and can offer reassurance during the flight.
If you feel anxious during a flight, inform the crew.
Whether or not you're flying, if the anxiety persists for more than a few weeks, affects your sleep, or disrupts daily life, it's important to seek therapy and consult a mental health professional.The psychology behind people switching to train or road travelDespite data confirming that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transport, travellers have been switching to train or road travel after the AI171 crash.Drishti Das, who is supposed to travel to Bhubaneshwar in August, couldn't help but ask her husband if they could skip taking a flight this time. Many such examples, we are sure, are all around you too. And yet, it's not as if road or train accidents are unheard of. But fear, as we know, isn't always rational.Psychologists, however, have an answer - perceived sense of control.'On a train, people often feel like they can do something in the event of an emergency - get off at the next station, move to a different coach, or call for help. In contrast, when you're airborne, there's very little you can do. That lack of control can be extremely unsettling,' says Sam.'For many, train travel is also familiar, often more affordable, and convenient for shorter trips. This combination of heightened emotional impact, a feeling of greater control, and practical benefits could be why some people are choosing trains over flights right now,' adds Dr Tugnait.In times like these, prioritising one's peace of mind and sense of safety is what matters most.Tune InTrending Reel