ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Summer travel season is approaching, and many Americans are busy making vacation plans—but growing anxiety around flying is hindering some of those plans.

For many, traveling is a fun luxury, but for others, it packs high anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted consumer confidence in air travel. While confidence has improved over the years, recent air incidents and economic factors have taken a toll.

“The number of bookings have gone down quite a bit. As we are speaking it is now 25%-30% less than it was last year,” said Virginia Tech Hospitality & Tourism Management Professor, Mahmood Khan.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 52 deadly aviation accidents were reported in the U.S. in 2025, raising concerns about air travel safe

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