In recent months, there has been an increase in air accidents involving commercial, private, and military flights. One of the most shocking incidents occurred on January 29, when a military aircraft collided with an American Airlines plane carrying 64 passengers just seconds before landing at Washington National Airport. Both planes crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of all those on board. This rise in incidents has raised concerns among passengers, especially those with a fear of flying.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 25% of travelers experience some degree of fear of flying, and 5% suffer from a severe phobia. However, air travel remains the safest mode of transportation in the world. “The statistics confirm it. In 2023, there was only one accident in 40 million flights. In 2024, so far, there have been four fatal accidents in another 40 million flights. Every incident is tragic, but the numbers show that aviation remains extremely safe,” explains Pedro Durán, an Iberia pilot, in an interview with *Infobae España*.
With 24 years of flying experience, Durán is currently a captain in the Airbus A320 fleet and has also flown models such as the A330, A340, and A350. He also shares his knowledge on social media to help travelers overcome their fear of flying. “This fear is often related to anxiety management and can arise for multiple reasons: a bad past experience, fear passed down by someone close, or even environmental influences. Sometimes, an anxious passenger can make those around them more nervous,” he points out.
Fear can also depend on a traveler’s personal circumstances. “There are moments in life when a person becomes more apprehensive. Many women experience this change after giving birth due to a natural state of heightened alertness. At that moment, they may start worrying more about their safety, thinking: ‘If something happens to me, what will happen to my children?’” Durán explains.
Although the reasons for fearing flying vary, they all share a common factor: the perception of danger, which in most cases does not reflect reality. Additionally, the lack of information about the actual risks of flying contributes to anxiety. A clear example is turbulence, one of the most frequent concerns among passengers.
“There is a great deal of misunderstanding about what turbulence really is and how it affects an aircraft. Planes are designed to withstand even the most extreme turbulence found in nature. No turbulence is capable of bringing down a modern aircraft, and in fact, it has never happened,” Durán states. While turbulence can be unpleasant, understanding that it poses no real danger makes it easier to handle.
However, misinformation amplifies fear. “Social media and sensationalist headlines contribute to confusion. Terms like ‘air pockets’ or ‘air voids’ are often used, but they don’t exist—they are mistranslations or misinterpretations,” the pilot explains.
Another common source of fear is engine failure. While this situation might seem alarming, it is fully anticipated in safety protocols. “Planes are designed to fly safely with only one engine. In exceptional cases, they can even take off with an inoperative engine if necessary,” assures Durán. In reality, engine failures are rare: “Each year, about 150 engines fail worldwide, and accidents caused by engine failure are even less common. In the past 16 years, there have only been two accidents where engine failure played a significant role: the Hudson River landing in 2009, when both engines shut down after a bird strike, and a recent case still under investigation.”
Despite the safety of flying, many people avoid planes due to fear, opting for longer and often more expensive journeys by train or car. However, this fear can be overcome with the right support. “The most important thing is to recognize the problem and face it. A key factor is not to stop flying. If you start avoiding it, the fear can intensify and develop into a phobia, making it even harder to overcome,” warns Durán.
Information also plays a crucial role. “For many people, learning about aviation is enough to ease their anxiety. The key is to prevent fear from turning into an incapacitating phobia. In such cases, professional therapy is essential. I recommend combining both strategies—information and psychological support can make a real difference,” suggests the captain.
Additionally, flight crews are trained to assist passengers in situations of anxiety or panic attacks. “At first, the symptoms can be confused with other medical conditions, like a heart attack. That’s why, if a passenger knows they are prone to such situations, it can be helpful to inform the crew when boarding,” he advises. When such a case is identified, the crew follows a safety protocol: one member attends to the passenger, another informs the captain, a doctor is requested onboard, and if confirmed as a panic attack, support from a psychologist with relevant experience is sought.
Aviation has a strong safety culture that covers all aspects of a flight. “Safety is the number one priority in this industry. Everyone working in aviation carries it in their DNA,” concludes Durán. From aircraft design to pilot training, every detail is meticulously planned and checked. “There is no other industry like it,” the pilot affirms.
