Course tackles fear factor as 20% are afraid of flying

One in every five people in Ireland is afraid of flying, according to the European Aviation College, which is helping people with severe aviophobia overcome their fear.

The college held its inaugural Fear of Flying course last month at Waterford Airport and the reaction was so positive it will hold one every month from now on.

Gillian Chiavacci, head of training, said a fear of flying can be debilitating.