A new Fear of Flying Course was held on Saturday, May 9, at the passenger terminal of Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman Airport. The specialized program, which has been helping participants develop a safer and calmer attitude toward flying for more than 15 years, once again brought together people struggling with fear of flying. The aim of the course was to help them better understand aviation and their own reactions through education, expert support and the real experience of flying.
A special feature of this year’s edition was the cooperation with Croatia Airlines, Croatia’s national carrier. As part of the program, participants flew on the Zagreb – Split – Zagreb route, aboard an Airbus A319 and an Airbus A220, one of the new aircraft in the Croatia Airlines fleet. The flights were an integral part of the course and allowed participants to face their fear in real conditions, but in a controlled and supportive environment.
The program combines psychological and aviation-related approaches, making it one of the few courses of its kind in the region. Through lectures and discussions, participants gain insight into the psychological mechanisms of fear, as well as the work of pilots, air traffic control and aviation procedures. This approach helps them better understand the process of flying, reduces uncertainty and provides concrete tools for coping more easily with discomfort before and during a flight.
Zagreb International Airport, a long-standing partner of the project, also plays an important role in the program. Over 15 years of cooperation, the course has helped hundreds of participants from Croatia and the region. Organizers point out that its contribution is visible not only in the personal progress of participants, but also in a broader social context, by building greater confidence in flying and air transport.
The course is led by experts in psychotherapy and civil aviation, providing participants with both professional and practical support. This combination of psychological preparation, aviation education and an actual flight has proven to be a key element of the program, especially for people who have avoided air travel for years because of fear.
The next Fear of Flying Course is planned for autumn 2026 in Zagreb.
