Neutrino, it is my experience that my anxiety waxes and wanes. At times I will do fairly well with a personal trigger (driving is one of mine) and then I will struggle for a while. Your description fits the pattern ... you conquer a particular fear a time or two (ie flying) and you build confidence. Then you have a scary flight and you are back to square one. So frustrating. And the logic thing (flying is safer than driving, etc) never helps me either.

The only way 'out' for me is 'through' - I have to do the thing I am scared of if I have any chance of getting stronger. A couple of things do help ... don't try to outrun the fear - just fess up and say I'M SCARED. Fear is always bigger than me and I can't outsmart it. Ask for support ... tell someone you trust that you are scared and that you want to call them from the airport before you get on the plane and call them when you get home. And if the person sitting next to you on the plane seems reasonable and you feel panicky, tell THEM you are scared and ask some support like chatting during take-off. Most people understand ...

Hugs - you certainly aren't alone.