Why Do Planes Avoid Flying Over Tibet?

Why Do Planes Avoid Flying Over Tibet?Tibet boasts eight civilian airports, but why do most planes choose to take longer, fuel-consuming routes instead of flying directly over the region? Do airplanes experience "altitude sickness" too?The Tibetan Plateau, a vast expanse averaging over 4,000 meters in elevation, appears as a "vacuum zone" on airline route maps. One might wonder if it's simply the high altitude that prevents planes from flying over it

Why Do Planes Avoid Flying Over Tibet?

Tibet boasts eight civilian airports, but why do most planes choose to take longer, fuel-consuming routes instead of flying directly over the region? Do airplanes experience "altitude sickness" too?

The Tibetan Plateau, a vast expanse averaging over 4,000 meters in elevation, appears as a "vacuum zone" on airline route maps. One might wonder if it's simply the high altitude that prevents planes from flying over it.

In reality, aircraft flight altitude primarily depends on route length. Short-haul flights typically operate between 6,000 and 9,600 meters, while long-haul flights fly between 8,000 and 12,600 meters. It seems that, avoiding Mount Everest, planes could easily fly over the Tibetan Plateau. So why the avoidance of the entire region?

The reasons are multifaceted and intricate.

I. The Perils of High Altitude

During World War II, the "Hump Route," established between China and the United States, traversed the Tibetan Plateau, reaching an altitude of 7,000 meters. Over three years, it transported 850,000 tons of strategic materials, but with a staggering 50% loss rate. This starkly illustrates the risks associated with high-altitude flying.

While aircraft operate at high altitudes, mechanical failures, emergency landings, and navigating turbulent zones often necessitate descent. If an aircraft descends below 3,500 meters on the Tibetan Plateau, the risk of collision increases significantly.

II. The Threat of Atmospheric Turbulence

The towering Himalayan range creates wave-shaped air currents as strong winds encounter the mountains, forming atmospheric turbulence. This poses a significant threat to aircraft, akin to underwater reefs. Moreover, the pristine environment of the plateau reduces pollution, making turbulence more pronounced and difficult to detect by radar. This poses an inherent risk to passenger safety.

For instance, in 1966, a British flight encountered clear-air turbulence at an altitude of 4,877 meters, resulting in the aircraft disintegrating and crashing a tragic reminder of the dangers.

III. Low Temperatures and Their Impact on Aircraft

Most mainstream passenger jets are jet-powered, and in frigid temperatures, fuel can freeze, increasing flight risks. The extremely low temperatures of the Tibetan Plateau call for extra caution.

So, How Do Flights to Lhasa Overcome "Altitude Sickness"?

To navigate the challenges of the Tibetan Plateau, high-altitude routes employ various measures:

1. Aircraft Modifications

The thin air at high altitudes requires greater power and extended climb times for aircraft to take off. To compensate, high-altitude passenger jets are equipped with more powerful, reliable engines. They also undergo modifications, including pressurization and oxygen supply systems, to address the oxygen deficiency at high altitudes.

2. Extended Runways

The thin air reduces lift and increases drag, making both takeoff and landing require longer distances for high-altitude aircraft. The runway at Bangda Airport in Tibet stretches an impressive 5,500 meters, 700 meters longer than the runway at Hong Kong International Airport.

China's new C919 large aircraft has a specialized high-altitude version. Future advances in technology promise even more effective solutions for safe and efficient flights over the Tibetan Plateau, increasing convenience for travelers.

In conclusion, the avoidance of Tibetan airspace by planes isn't due to "altitude sickness." It's a strategic safety measure, recognizing the need to overcome challenges posed by high altitude, atmospheric turbulence, and low temperatures. Technological advancements are paving the way for more solutions that will enable safe and efficient flights over the Tibetan Plateau, offering greater convenience for passengers.

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