Overview

• A flight from Ahmedabad crashed, killing at least 200 of the 242 people on board and triggering widespread apprehension among those with aerophobia.
• Psychiatrists warn that high-profile aviation disasters can reinforce catastrophic thinking and set back progress for nervous flyers.
• Mental health professionals recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, gradual exposure exercises, deep breathing and visualization to reduce flight anxiety.
• Gatwick Airport and Air India have established reception centres and dedicated hotlines to support victims’ families and provide information.
• Aviation data show commercial air travel remains extremely safe, with the risk of death at roughly one in 100 million flights.