Travis Barker, the renowned drummer of Blink-182, continues to battle his fear of flying more than 16 years after surviving a tragic plane crash.
The musician, who endured severe injuries in the 2008 accident, recently opened up about his ongoing struggle,
revealing that recent aviation disasters have only deepened his anxiety.
A Tragic Flight That Changed His Life
On September 19, 2008, Barker and his close friend and collaborator, Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein, boarded a private Learjet in Columbia, South Carolina.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft failed to lift off properly, veered off the runway, and burst into flames after crashing into an embankment.
Of the six people on board, only Barker and Goldstein survived.
The crash claimed the lives of four individuals: Barker’s security guard Charles “Che” Still, his assistant Chris Baker, and the two pilots
Barker suffered severe burns covering more than 65% of his body, requiring multiple skin grafts and 16 surgeries during an 11-week hospital stay. Goldstein also sustained serious burns but tragically passed away a year later from a drug overdose.
Barker’s Fear of Flying and PTSD
The traumatic event left Barker struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an intense fear of flying.
For years, he avoided air travel entirely, opting instead for tour buses and other forms of transportation. In a 2011 interview, he vowed never to fly again.
However, in August 2021, he took his first flight in 13 years alongside then-girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian and her family, traveling to Cabo, Mexico.
Despite this milestone, Barker admits that air travel remains a major source of anxiety for him. During a recent interview with Fox News Digital, he shared how he almost skipped his trip to New Orleans for his Run Travis Run event and the FanDuel x Spotify Super Bowl Party due to his fear.
“It actually doesn’t help me move past it. It makes it much worse,” he revealed, referring to recent plane crashes. “I almost didn’t come.”
Recent Air Disasters Reignite Anxiety
Barker’s fears were heightened by two recent aviation accidents that shocked the world.
On January 29, 2024, a devastating midair collision occurred over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines commercial jet collided, killing all 67 people on board.
The incident was the first major crash involving a U.S. passenger plane since 2009 and the deadliest since American Airlines Flight 587 crashed in Queens, New York, in 2001.
Just two days later, on January 31, a medical jet crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood, claiming the lives of all six passengers, including a mother and her young daughter.
Barker admitted that hearing about these incidents has made his fears even more difficult to manage.
“It’s hard for me to get on flights. I do it sober. I don’t need to take anything. I don’t need to do anything. But it just gets harder and harder,” he explained. “Especially when your biggest fears—you start to see them come to life in reality.”
Family, Music, and Wellness: Barker’s Coping Mechanisms
Despite his fear of flying, Barker remains deeply committed to his career, family, and personal growth.
In May 2022, he married Kourtney Kardashian, and in November 2023, they welcomed their first child together, son Rocky Thirteen Barker.
Barker is also a father to two children, Landon, 21, and Alabama, 19, from his previous marriage to Shanna Moakler.
During his Run Travis Run event in New Orleans, Barker expressed his joy about fatherhood, calling baby Rocky “the coolest kid ever.”
“He’s amazing—playing drums, guitar, walking and running everywhere,” he shared. “And he’s the best.”
Barker also opened up about the joys of raising a young child while balancing his music career.
“There’s nothing challenging about it. The most rewarding thing is starting my day and ending my day with my babies,” he said. “That’s my goal—to start my day with them and be able to say goodnight to everyone and kiss them goodnight.”
Using Fitness to Heal
Barker has credited his healthy lifestyle as a major factor in his recovery, both physically and mentally. His Run Travis Run wellness initiative, which he launched in 2024, was inspired by the changes he made after the 2008 crash.
The New Orleans edition of the event featured a scenic run through Audubon Park, interactive wellness activities, and premium brand experiences.
Proceeds from the event were donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, supporting incarcerated firefighters who helped battle recent wildfires.
Barker revealed that running has become a form of therapy for him.
“I just started running one day—honestly, it’s very similar to Forrest Gump,” he joked, referencing the iconic movie character. “It was just my outlet, a form of meditation. It also helped with my stamina and endurance for drumming and staying fit.”
Even when facing injuries from training, he remains determined.
“I overtrained after my last 5K, trying to beat my record,” he admitted. “I didn’t, and then I kind of got down on myself. But I keep going. I run three to five miles a day.”
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
While Barker continues to battle his fear of flying, he remains committed to pushing forward in both his personal and professional life. Through his dedication to music, family, and fitness, he has found ways to cope with his past trauma while inspiring others.
Although stepping onto an airplane remains a challenge, Barker has proven that resilience, determination, and support from loved ones can help him take those difficult steps—one flight at a time.
