A string of major aircraft incidents all across the world in the last few months has garnered the attention of the public. Two of the most significant of these incidents occurred on December 29, when a Jeju Air flight crashed while attempting to land in South Korea, killing 179 on board. And on January 29, when a commercial flight collided mid-air with a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., killing 67.

Many people already have a fear of flying, but these recent crashes have made it worse for some. Camilla Garcia, 20, of Sauk City, flew to Mexico in January to see family. She felt nervous after seeing aircraft crash coverage on social media.

“It was all over my TikTok,” she said. “I was seeing so many videos about plane crashes right before my flight. I almost decided not to go, but I couldn’t refund my ticket.”

She said that her anxiety on the flight was so bad she cried as the plane took off and landed.

Other Wisconsin locals believe the increased concern is unwarranted. Ken Nielsen, 73, of Rice Lake has spent decades working in airports across the U.S. for the Department of Homeland Security and has been on hundreds of flights. He believes the recent crashes have been sensationalized by the media.

“[Airplane] crashes are in the news more, but that doesn’t mean there’s more of them happening than usual,” he said. “It seems like there are so many on the news now because that’s what’s getting the most attention these days.

He explained that there is a much higher chance of being killed in a car accident than in a plane crash.  He claims planes are only getting safer every year because of the development of safety equipment and testing. He also credits the drastic increase in airport security after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.  

While passengers may worry about flying, airline workers take extensive measures to prevent any incidents from happening. Hayden Millheam, 21, a student at Western Michigan University is studying Aviation Technical Operations. He will soon graduate to become an aircraft mechanic.

“Every aircraft needs regular maintenance. Even the small issues like loose screws and broken lights need to be fixed before a flight, he said.

He explained that the recent plane crashes weren’t because of poor maintenance, claiming them to be mostly freak accidents.

Despite the increase in media coverage and anxiety involving planes in recent months, aircraft accidents are a rare occurrence and shouldn’t discourage those who wish to travel.