Can AI Make Flying Safe Again as Another Plane Crash Intensifies the Public's Aviation Anxiety?

In the wake of the Delta Air Lines plane crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport this afternoon, where 18 passengers were injured but miraculously no one lost their life, many are left asking how much longer aviation can maintain its reputation as one of the safest modes of travel. The crash—though it did not result in fatalities—serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of flight, particularly under challenging weather conditions like the strong winds that buffeted Toronto on the day of the incident.

While aviation experts and officials assure the public that modern air travel is safer than ever before, each new crash, particularly high-profile ones like this, chips away at the confidence that has long defined air travel. Flying, once considered a marvel of human achievement, now seems fraught with risk. This growing anxiety, exacerbated by a string of incidents in recent months—from a midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter to deadly crashes involving Jeju Air and Azerbaijan Airlines—has intensified the public’s fear of flying. With such high-stakes concerns on the table, could the answer to both making flying safer and alleviating public anxiety lie in the very technology that seems poised to define the future: Artificial Intelligence?

The Case for AI in Aviation Safety

At first glance, the idea of AI playing a significant role in improving aviation safety may seem like a no-brainer. After all, the technology has already demonstrated its remarkable capabilities in fields ranging from healthcare to self-driving cars. The promise of AI lies in its ability to process vast amounts of data, detect patterns, and execute decisions far faster than any human could. So why not apply these attributes to the aviation industry to enhance safety and prevent accidents?

Smarter Decision-Making and Real-Time Risk Assessment

AI’s greatest strength is its ability to analyze large datasets in real-time, which could be used to enhance decision-making in the cockpit. Modern commercial airliners generate an enormous amount of data throughout each flight, from weather reports to system performance metrics. AI could be used to aggregate this data, analyze trends, and predict potential issues before they become major problems. For example, AI could monitor atmospheric conditions and flight parameters to offer real-time risk assessments to pilots, adjusting for things like turbulence, wind shear, or mechanical failure before it becomes a critical issue.

In fact, AI-powered systems could also help with what aviation experts call “human error,” which remains a contributing factor in a significant portion of aviation accidents. AI, with its ability to analyze vast quantities of data, could assist pilots in decision-making processes, offering suggestions for course corrections, alternate routes, or emergency procedures during moments of extreme pressure. Think of it as an intelligent co-pilot, one that could help ease the burden on human decision-making when split-second choices matter most.

Automated Flight Control and Safety Protocols

Another area where AI could revolutionize air travel is through fully automated flight control systems. While autopilot technology has been in use for decades, it still requires constant monitoring by pilots to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. AI, however, could take this one step further by enabling a system that autonomously adjusts flight parameters in real-time, optimizing safety protocols without requiring human intervention.

Consider the terrifying scenario of a sudden mechanical failure or a malfunctioning sensor on an aircraft. In a traditional setting, a pilot would need to diagnose the problem, troubleshoot, and decide on the best course of action—often under immense pressure. AI could potentially diagnose these failures in real-time and automatically adjust the aircraft’s systems to maintain optimal performance. For example, an AI-driven system could recognize an impending engine failure and make immediate adjustments to the other engines or flight path, all while informing the pilot and alerting them to the necessary emergency procedures.

In the case of the recent Toronto Pearson crash, where gusty winds and poor weather conditions were likely contributing factors, AI systems could help assess wind patterns and adjust the flight approach accordingly, ensuring a safer landing. The ability for AI to assess weather data, gauge airport conditions, and autonomously adjust flight parameters in real-time could significantly improve safety.

AI as a Fear Alleviator for the Public

While these technological advancements could make flying safer from a purely mechanical standpoint, there is another, equally pressing concern: the fear that many people feel when flying. For some, the thought of getting on an airplane is enough to induce panic, even when the statistical likelihood of an accident is minuscule. For them, the constant reminders of tragic accidents—especially the ones in the headlines—serve to exacerbate their fears.

AI could, however, play a key role in alleviating this anxiety. Imagine an AI-driven platform designed specifically to help ease the minds of nervous travelers. By integrating real-time data about a flight’s safety, weather conditions, and historical performance, passengers could have access to a personalized stream of information that reassures them about the safety of their journey. AI could also act as a virtual “therapist,” offering personalized meditation, breathing exercises, and calming messages to help manage stress during the flight.

Additionally, AI could be used to improve the customer service experience, ensuring that passengers are well-informed, comfortable, and supported at every stage of the travel process. From automated check-in procedures to AI-powered inflight assistants, AI could help make the entire experience more seamless and less anxiety-inducing.

The Dark Side: Could AI Make the Fear Worse?

While the potential benefits of AI in aviation safety and passenger comfort are clear, the idea of relying too heavily on machines to make decisions—especially in high-stakes environments like air travel—raises important ethical questions. What happens if AI malfunctions or fails in critical situations? Could a reliance on AI make passengers even more anxious, knowing that a machine is in control rather than a human being? Will people be able to trust the technology when their very lives are at stake?

There’s also the question of transparency. AI’s decision-making processes are often based on complex algorithms that even their creators may not fully understand. If an AI system makes an error or a malfunction occurs, how do we ensure that passengers and the public receive clear and truthful explanations? In the event of an accident, would AI be able to provide a satisfactory answer, or would the blame be placed on the technology itself?

Furthermore, there is the risk that the more we lean on AI for safety, the less we might value the human judgment that has always been central to aviation. Pilots, with their extensive training and experience, are not just technical operators of aircraft—they are decision-makers who can assess a situation, make judgments based on their training, and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. AI cannot replicate the intuition and emotional intelligence that human pilots bring to the cockpit. The idea of replacing or reducing the role of human pilots could exacerbate passengers’ anxieties, particularly if they feel that the human element has been entirely removed from the equation.

A Balancing Act: The Path Forward

The future of AI in aviation will ultimately depend on how we choose to integrate this technology. It will likely require a balance—AI should certainly play a major role in improving the safety and efficiency of flying, but it should also complement human judgment, not replace it. The ultimate goal should be to create a hybrid system where both AI and human expertise work together to ensure that air travel remains as safe as possible while addressing the psychological needs of the flying public.

As AI continues to evolve, there is no doubt that its integration into aviation will grow deeper. AI has the potential to reduce human error, streamline processes, and even reduce the fears that come with flying. But as with any technology, there are inherent risks. It’s essential that the aviation industry, regulators, and the public engage in an open and transparent conversation about how AI can be used to improve safety without sacrificing trust, control, or transparency.

Here’s Why Over 4 Million Professionals Read Morning Brew

• Business news explained in plain English

• Straight facts, zero fluff, & plenty of puns

• 100% free

See for yourself