In recent months, several aviation incidents have raised concerns about the safety of air travel. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are currently investigating a near-miss at Chicago's Midway Airport, where a Southwest Airlines plane had to abort its landing due to an unauthorized business jet on the runway. This incident follows a February event in Toronto, where a Delta flight skidded off a runway, and a January mid-air collision involving an Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet, resulting in 67 fatalities. Despite these occurrences, experts maintain that flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation.

Details of Recent Aviation Incidents

In the crisp autumn days of October, authorities are probing a close encounter at Chicago’s Midway Airport. On a Tuesday afternoon, a Southwest Airlines aircraft was forced to abort its landing when a private jet entered the runway without clearance. Earlier this year, in the cold winter month of February, a Delta flight from Minneapolis slid across a runway in Toronto, with all 80 passengers and crew members escaping unharmed. Most notably, in January, a tragic mid-air collision between an Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet resulted in the loss of 67 lives, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 25 years. Investigations into the causes of these events are ongoing.

Despite these alarming incidents, aviation experts emphasize that flying is still remarkably safe. According to the National Safety Council, the statistical likelihood of dying as an aircraft passenger in the United States is so low it cannot be calculated. Hani Mahmassani, a professor of transportation engineering at Northwestern University, reassures travelers that air travel remains the safest mode of long-distance transport. He advises people to continue with their travel plans.

Clint Henderson, managing editor of The Points Guy, acknowledges the fear surrounding recent airline incidents but agrees with the experts. For those considering rescheduling trips, he suggests contacting airlines directly for potential travel credits. Travel insurance policies typically do not cover "fear of flying," but opting for a "cancel for any reason" policy may provide more flexibility, albeit at a higher cost.

To safeguard future travel plans, The Points Guy recommends booking flights with credit cards that offer travel protection, using points or miles for easier cancellations, and considering refundable options for flights and accommodations.

In light of these incidents, while it is natural to feel concerned, the overwhelming consensus among experts is that air travel remains incredibly safe. Travelers should feel confident in continuing their journeys, armed with the knowledge that stringent safety measures are in place to protect them.