TORONTO — The recent Air Canada plane crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is expected to trigger short-term anxiety among travellers, particularly those already uneasy about flying, according to a Canadian psychology expert.
The crash involving Air Canada Flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, resulted in the deaths of two pilots and left dozens injured after the aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway. The flight had arrived from Montréal’s Trudeau International Airport late Sunday night.
Martin Antony, a professor and chair of psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, says such incidents can amplify existing fears, even if they don’t create new ones.
“I think for a lot of people, there may be some initial anxiety following an event like this, but it tends to pass,” Antony said. “People who fear flying tend to focus more on rare accidents than the millions of safe flights that happen every day.”
At Montréal’s airport, reactions among travellers were mixed. Some passengers said they were not deterred, while others admitted feeling increasingly nervous after watching extensive media coverage of the crash.
One traveller said the more he followed updates throughout the day, the more uneasy he felt ahead of his own flight, highlighting how constant exposure to distressing news can intensify anxiety.
Experts note that fear of flying is often influenced by perception rather than actual risk. Statistically, air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, but dramatic incidents can distort that perception.
Antony also pointed out that broader global tensions — including ongoing conflicts and disruptions at airports — may further contribute to travel-related stress.
Some travellers expressed concern about conditions in the United States, where a partial government shutdown has led to staffing shortages among Transportation Security Administration agents, resulting in longer wait times at some airports.
Despite these concerns, experts advise travellers to keep events in perspective and avoid letting fear dictate decisions. Acknowledging anxiety while focusing on the overall safety of air travel can help individuals manage their fears more effectively.
“The key is not to avoid flying, but to recognize that while the fear feels real, the actual level of risk remains very low for most people,” Antony said.
As investigations into the crash continue, the incident serves as both a reminder of aviation risks and the importance of maintaining perspective in the face of rare but highly visible events.