Flying Through Fear: Why We Must Rebuild Confidence in Aviation

Passengers in Aircraft assisted by cabin crew

Mehnaz Ansari, Co-Founder, AeroStratgix

I have been an extensive flyer for the past two decades — at one point, I was on flights almost five times a week, crisscrossing airports, and airplanes across the globe.

In all those years, one of my habits has been to quietly observe my fellow travellers — first-time flyers clutching boarding passes nervously, holidaymakers buzzing with excitement, and business travellers seamlessly switching between gates and calls.

India today reflects this diversity more than ever, as it evolves to become the third-largest aviation market in the world. Our skies are busy, vibrant, and full of possibilities.

Yet, every time there is an incident, or worse — a disastrous accident like the recent crash at Ahmedabad — the collective psyche of passengers' shifts. Conversations turn from destinations and deal to doubts about safety. You can see it in the terminal, feel it in the cabin. Anxiety lingers like unspoken turbulence.

Stress in the Skies

Since the tragic Air India crash last month, every flight I’ve taken has felt different.

I noticed the subtle yet unmistakable signs: passengers exchanging uneasy glances during takeoff, silence replacing chatter in the back cabin, even a faint tension among the cabin crew.

Some of the world’s safest planes and most highly-trained pilots are suddenly under question — not just by regulatory authorities, but by everyday travellers.

It’s human to feel this way. After all, when you are 30,000 feet above the ground, every shake or stir — what we know as turbulence — can feel like the beginning of a nightmare. Fear creeps in, even though statistically, aviation is still among the safest modes of travel in the world.

Building Confidence, Not Panic

This is why I believe it’s time we build a stronger narrative — one grounded in awareness, science, and trust, not fear and speculation.

What we need today is compassion for passengers and resilience in their mindset. How do we achieve this?

• Training and capacity building: Equipping airline staff, pilots, and crew with not just technical excellence but also the emotional intelligence to reassure passengers.

• Confidence development: Teaching passengers the basics of flight physics and safety protocols can go a long way in demystifying what happens behind the cockpit door.

• A pleasant and safe experience: Airports, airlines, and regulators must work together to enhance every touchpoint — from check-in to arrival — so passengers feel cared for.

At AeroStratgix, we are especially committed to training the people who make flying safe — the unseen professionals behind the scenes, ensuring every journey is smooth. Because safety is not just a checklist — it is a culture.

Awareness Over Assumptions

Most importantly, we must foster awareness rather than panic. Too often, verdicts are passed by hurried Google searches, sensational videos, and misinformation that misses the science of aviation.

It’s important to appreciate the dedication of the people who help us reach our destinations faster, better, and more efficiently. At the same time, passengers should feel empowered to raise concerns if they see something unusual — without letting fear take over.

Flying should not become an ordeal masked by apprehension. Fear may be natural, but it must never overpower confidence.

Above the Clouds

As someone who has lived in the skies, I say this with conviction:

“Every safe landing is not just a matter of luck — it is the outcome of rigorous training, discipline, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

So next time you step on board, take a deep breath, fasten your seatbelt — and trust the process that has safely carried billions to their destinations.