Fear of flying

Every new year we wish that the year starts with a bang. Each of us have our own interpretation of the word ‘bang’. We look forward to all the niceties that we could have in both our professional and personal lives. Hoping the year is better than the last.

 
But this year it all feels different. If, like me follow news closely you’d realize 2025 has started with tragedies, of all the things that could cause destruction and damage. Flying now seems to be making headlines every few days. According to Greenville News, so far this year, there have been 99 aviation accidents, with 63 total crashes in January and 36 in February. Fourteen of these crashes were fatal, 10 in January and four in February. 

Three airline crashes resulted in loss of life, one plane flipped and luckily everyone escaped unscathed. The latest news that caught my eye of a woman in her mid-fifties who passed away just hours before landing. It seems like media is fussing more about airlines now and causing panic than giving assurances.

It’s interesting to see videos of people praying and sprinkling holy water just before entering the plane. All things crazy definitely has a repository in the name of social media. But could flying be dangerous under these circumstances and ultimately lead to death? Is that the only medium and commune for dying? Does death really have a reason to offer to us. 

We live in a world full of awareness and abundance knowledge. ‘Tide and time wait for none’ is something I strongly believe in. There is no telling when and what moment could be our last. One does not need to board the plane to die, our end could come simply anytime - while sitting on the couch mindlessly looking outside, or while having our favorite meal/drink, driving, talking etc., the possibilities are infinite. This is the most inevitable truth we have ever heard. But let’s not dwell on the possibility of this happening and look on the positives.

We’ve got only this one life to live, our time here is only so much. Yes, our situations and problems can definitely seem like a drag but nevertheless it’s all part of the journey called - life. Everything will go just as it should. Rather than focusing on what we don’t have, won’t it be nice to be grateful for what we’ve got. None of us are saints, I’m fully aware of it, I’m definitely not one now. Our dark, twisted and demonic sides can occasionally see light of the day but it’s not too bad as long as we can fight it off. 

Love people right and give them your all. Don’t wait for tomorrow to come. Let’s live with zeal and hope and do justice to this life we have. Next time you board a flight—wherever your destination may be—do it without fear. Embrace the journey and enjoy the ride. Life is meant to be lived, not feared.