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Do Planes Fly Over Mount Everest?

Published in Aviation Safety 2 mins read

Yes, planes can and do fly over Mount Everest. While some people believe that planes avoid flying over the mountain due to its height, this is not entirely accurate. The truth is, planes can easily fly above Mount Everest, which stands at 29,031.7 feet. Commercial airlines typically fly at around 35,000 feet, meaning they would be well above the summit of Mount Everest.

However, the reason why planes often don't fly directly over Mount Everest is due to the unpredictable weather conditions and turbulent air currents in the Himalayan region. These factors can create dangerous conditions for aircraft, making it more practical to fly around the mountain.

Additionally, the Himalayas are a heavily populated region with numerous air routes in close proximity. This increases the complexity of air traffic management and necessitates avoiding high-altitude routes near Mount Everest to ensure safe navigation and minimize the risk of collisions.

In summary, while planes can fly over Mount Everest, they often choose to avoid this route due to safety concerns related to unpredictable weather, turbulent air currents, and the complexity of air traffic management in the Himalayan region.

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