An Expert Guide To Deal With Travel Anxiety Amid Nationwide Flight Delays

The year 2025 has been a tough one for the Indian aviation industry. In June this year, the deadly Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad shooked the nation. Thereafter, cancellations and delays in flights witnessed a spike. Most recently, IndiGo grabbed headlines after its 150 flights were cancelled. The reason they cited was a shortage of crew and modified roster norms. The airline even released an apology for the disruption. Amid all this, is the mental health of passengers at risk?

Travellers often face anxiety and stress when flights get cancelled or delayed. And especially after the Ahmedabad plane crash, travel anxiety has been at its peak. To understand how passengers can deal with this mental turmoil, when faced with such uncertain events in the airport, we spoke to Dr Divya Shree KR, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Read ahead.

What Is Travel Anxiety?

First, let us tell you what travel anxiety is. “Travel anxiety is a feeling of stress, worry, or fear that one might experience before or during a trip. It usually comes from uncertainty, changes in routine, or fear of unexpected problems. It can show up as overthinking, trouble sleeping, stomach discomfort, or feeling tense about planning, packing, flying, or reaching a new place,” answers Dr Shree KR.

She continues, “Many people experience this because travel involves new environments, crowds, delays, safety concerns, and the pressure to manage time and money. Sometimes past bad experiences or fear of losing control can also trigger it. Travel anxiety is common and usually reduces once the person starts the journey and things feel familiar.”

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Can Flight Cancellations Trigger Travel Anxiety?

When a flight gets cancelled or delayed, can this trigger a passenger’s anxiety? Our expert answers.

“Yes, flight cancellations may trigger travel anxiety because they involve sudden changes and uncertainty that disrupt a person’s travel plans. When a flight is cancelled, people may worry about missing important events, losing money, finding new flights, or being stuck at the airport with no clear information. This sudden lack of control can make someone feel stressed, confused, or even scared, especially if they are already nervous about travel. The long wait times, crowded terminals, and constant updates can add more pressure. Flight cancellations can also bring thoughts about safety, weather issues, or technical problems, which can increase worry. Simple steps like staying updated, talking to staff, and having backup plans can help reduce this anxiety,” explains the expert.

Tips To Deal With Travel Anxiety

On this note, Dr Shree KR shared simple hacks to deal for flyers to deal with travel anxiety:

• Start by planning your trip well in advance, including tickets, accommodation, and local transport, so you feel more in control.
• Make a checklist of essentials to avoid last-minute stress.
• Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretches before and during travel to calm your mind and body.
• Stay informed about your journey, but avoid overchecking updates that can increase worry.
• Keep snacks, water, and entertainment handy to stay comfortable.
• Talk to a friend, family member, or travel companion about your feelings, as sharing worries can reduce stress.
• Accept that delays or changes can happen and focus on solutions rather than problems. Gradually, travelling will feel easier and more enjoyable.

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The Final Word

Travel anxiety is a feeling of stress, worry, or fear that someone experiences before or during a trip. It usually comes from uncertainty, changes in routine, or fear of unexpected problems. Flyers can manage travel anxiety with simple steps such as being more informed about their journey or talking to a closed one about their stress or worry during travel.