A segurança dos voos em debate após série de incidentes nos Estados Unidos

Recent incident at Chicago Midway Airport involving a Southwest aircraft and a private jet has heightened concerns among air travelers. This event follows a series of serious aviation incidents in the U.S., including a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and a Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia, which collectively resulted in multiple fatalities. Notably, February saw a Delta flight make an emergency landing due to cabin haze and another Delta flight crash-land at Toronto Pearson International Airport without casualties. These occurrences have raised questions about aviation safety, prompting experts to urge the public to advocate for improved safety measures.

Despite these alarming events, aviation safety statistics remain favorable. Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation safety expert, reassured that statistically, flying is safer than driving. He emphasized the importance of allowing investigations to identify causes of accidents, noting that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) lacks regulatory power, which can delay the implementation of safety recommendations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged staffing shortages and outdated technology as contributing factors to recent close calls, leading to the establishment of an independent safety review team to address these issues.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that 2024 had one accident for every 880,000 flights, with a total of seven fatal accidents. While the overall safety performance has improved significantly over the past decade, experts warn that the recent spate of accidents reflects a changing aviation landscape, with increased congestion and potential lapses in safety protocols. Guy Gratton, an aviation professor, highlighted the need for vigilance against the "normalization of deviance," where safety standards may be compromised over time.

For those grappling with a fear of flying, known as aerophobia, experts recommend exposure therapy and coping strategies such as meditation and deep breathing. Dr. Gail Saltz emphasized that understanding aviation processes can alleviate anxiety. Various airlines, including British Airways, offer courses to help nervous flyers, combining education with practical experience. Ultimately, while concerns about aviation safety are valid, experts maintain that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation available.