If you’ve ever looked at a flight path and wondered why certain areas remain untouched, you’re not alone.
There’s a reason why commercial airlines avoid flying over Mount Everest and the Pacific Ocean, and it has nothing to do with superstition. These regions present unique dangers that make them unsuitable for routine flights, pushing airlines to chart alternative routes.
Why Planes Avoid Flying Over Mount Everest
At 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth. Most commercial airplanes cruise at an altitude between 10,000 and 12,000 meters (33,000 to 39,000 feet), which means flying over Everest might seem possible. However, the extreme conditions make it highly risky for pilots and passengers alike.
- Low Oxygen Levels: The higher the altitude, the thinner the air, making it harder for both engines and passengers to function normally. If an aircraft needs to make an emergency descent, there are few safe places to land in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
- Unpredictable Weather: Everest is notorious for its rapidly changing weather, with sudden wind shifts and turbulence strong enough to destabilize an aircraft.
- Navigation Challenges: The Himalayan region has fewer air traffic control systems, making it difficult for pilots to maintain safe altitude and course corrections in emergencies.
For these reasons, pilots opt for safer, lower-risk routes rather than taking the direct path over Everest.
The Pacific Ocean: A Vast No-Go Zone for Many Flights
Unlike Mount Everest, the Pacific Ocean has no towering peaks, but it presents an entirely different set of challenges for airlines. At 165 million square kilometers (63 million square miles), it is the world’s largest and most remote ocean, and that remoteness creates severe safety concerns for aircraft.
- Emergency Landing Risks: With no runways or solid ground for thousands of kilometers, an aircraft experiencing mechanical failure over the Pacific has very few options.
- Extreme Weather Events: The Pacific is home to some of the most intense storms on Earth, including typhoons and tropical cyclones. These can create violent turbulence, which pilots prefer to avoid.
- Search and Rescue Challenges: If a plane were to crash into the vast ocean, rescue efforts would be extremely difficult due to the sheer distance from the nearest land or search operation center.
The Bigger Picture: Safety and Efficiency
Modern air routes are carefully planned to maximize safety and fuel efficiency. While cutting directly over Everest or the Pacific might seem like a shortcut, the potential risks far outweigh any benefits. Airlines instead design flight paths to stay within range of emergency landing sites while considering weather patterns, air traffic control coverage, and fuel efficiency.
So, the next time you board a flight and wonder why you’re taking a longer route, just remember—it’s all about keeping you safe in the sky.
