In brief
- Aviophobia is the clinical term for fear of flying
- Aerophobia is the term for fear of air and draughts
- The two terms are often used interchangeably and it doesn’t matter which you use, as long as you get the help you need to fly with confidence
Is it aerophobia or aviophobia?
If you’ve searched online for information about fear of flying, you may have noticed two different terms: aerophobia and aviophobia. While they mean slightly different things, the two terms are used interchangeably.
Let’s clear up the confusion.
Aerophobia
“Aerophobia” comes from the Greek word aero (air) and phobos (fear).
Werophobia means a fear of air or drafts of air. However, in everyday language, aerophobia is often used interchangeably to mean “fear of flying.”
Aviophobia
“Aviophobia” comes from the Latin avis (bird) and phobos (fear). It’s used to describe a fear of flying – specifically on aircraft.
You’ll find that in psychological texts and clinical manuals.
Which is correct?
Both terms are understood, but aviophobia is the more precise and accepted word for fear of flying.
In practice, most people (including most doctors) simply use the phrase “fear of flying”. It’s clear, accurate and widely recognised.
Aerophobia or aviophobia? It doesn’t really matter…
Whether you call it aerophobia, aviophobia, or just fear of flying, the important point is that the experience is real and common.
Treatment options, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, grounding techniques, and airline “fear of flying” courses, are the same, whatever label you use.
What matters most isn’t the name, it’s finding strategies that help you feel calmer and more confident in the air – and that’s what Fly Above Fear is here to help with.
Please share this article with anyone who might benefit from it.
FAQs
Technically, the correct term is aviophobia. However, aerophobia is also used to describe fear of flying. It really doesn’t matter which term you use, just that you get the help you need to fly.