Thu Jun 26 04:36:12 UTC 2025: **Bengaluru Fear of Flying Therapy Sees Surge After Air India Crash**

**BENGALURU, June 26, 2025** – A recent Air India crash near Ahmedabad has triggered a wave of anxiety among Indian travelers, leading to a spike in demand for fear-of-flying therapy, according to the Hindu. The crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, killed all 260 people on board and has been widely circulated on social media, leading to intense public reaction.

Retired Air Force officer Dinesh K., who runs Cockpit Vista, a Bengaluru-based center specializing in fear of flying, has seen inquiries surge from about 10 a month to over 100 since the incident. His $500 course utilizes flight simulation and counseling to help individuals overcome their anxieties.

The crash has led to travelers becoming more selective about airlines and aircraft. Some are avoiding Boeing planes specifically, while others are cancelling or rescheduling flights altogether.

“I am filtering on the basis of not having to fly a Boeing… I’m bloody terrified currently, and I don’t want to get back on a flight,” said Nidhi Bhatia, a London-based marketing consultant, reflecting a growing sentiment among air travelers.

Travel agencies are reporting unusual questions about aircraft types and a decline in bookings since the crash. Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, noted that flight bookings dropped by 15-20% soon after the crash, with 30-40% of booked tickets being cancelled.

Mental health experts report an increase in individuals seeking help for insomnia, obsession with flight updates, and debilitating anxiety for loved ones in transit. This suggests a widespread impact on mental health beyond just those with pre-existing aerophobia.

Air India, already under scrutiny for service and fleet issues, faces renewed criticism following the accident. The airline was taken over by the Tata Group from the Indian government in 2022.

While air travel remains statistically safe, with low accident rates, the Ahmedabad crash and its graphic video have clearly shaken public confidence in flying, prompting many to seek professional help to manage their fears.

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