Blink-182 Drummer Travis Barker Credits Kourtney Kardashian for Helping Him Overcome Fear of Flying

Blink‑182 drummer Travis Barker, 50, told reporters at the world premiere of his documentary Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear on June 13 at the Tribeca Film Festival that his relationship with Kourtney Kardashian helped him conquer a lifelong fear of flying.\n\nBarker explained that falling in love again and Kourtney’s unwavering support rekindled the courage to board a plane after the 2008 crash, a move that also deepened his bond with his children.\n\nThe crash that changed Barker’s life occurred on September 19, 2008, when a Learjet 60 operated by Global Exec Aviation crashed during take‑off from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in South Carolina. The aircraft was carrying Barker, DJ AM (Adam Goldstein), assistant Chris Baker, and security guard Charles Still. The pilot, co‑pilot, and the two passengers were killed; Barker and Goldstein survived, with Barker sustaining third‑degree burns over most of his body.\n\nIn a 2021 interview with Men’s Health, Barker described the emotional aftermath: “I was dark. I couldn’t walk down the street. If I saw a plane in the sky, I was determined it was going to crash, and I just didn’t want to see it.” He credited therapy for helping him move past those thoughts.\n\nBarker’s first flight after the crash was in 2021, when he boarded a plane with Kardashian. He said the flight was a milestone, noting that “the closer I was to it, it felt like I was closer to the bad stuff than I am to the good stuff.” Over time, he added, the experience has become easier: “Now it’s been so many years, it’s getting easier for me. There are days where I’ll wake up and never think about it.”\n\nThe drummer also spoke about the role his children play in his recovery. He has three children with former wife Shanna Moakler—Alabama (20) and Landon (22)—and a 2‑year‑old son, Rocky Thirteen, with Kardashian. He said, “The power of love is amazing. My kids were my strength from the time they existed.” Kardashian’s own children—Mason (16), Penelope (13), and Reign (11)—from her previous marriage to Scott Disick, are also part of the blended family.\n\nTravis Barker: Louder Than Fear chronicles his journey from the early days of Blink‑182 to his survival of the 2008 crash and his ongoing efforts to heal. The film’s premiere at Tribeca was attended by Barker, Kardashian, and several members of the music community.\n\nBarker’s statements highlight the personal impact of the crash and the support he has received from his partner and children. The film and his public comments provide insight into how trauma can be addressed through family and therapy.\n\nAs of the premiere, Barker continues to perform and record. No further public statements have been issued regarding his future projects.