Planes generally avoid flying directly over the Himalayas primarily due to safety concerns related to the region's extreme altitudes and challenging conditions.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
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High Altitude Risks: Passenger planes typically fly at altitudes of 30,000 to 35,000 feet. The Himalayas contain peaks that reach similar or even higher altitudes. According to the reference, flying at these heights can be dangerous.
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Emergency Descent: In the event of an emergency, such as loss of cabin pressure, planes need to descend to a safe altitude (around 8,000 to 10,000 feet) quickly.
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Limited Oxygen Supply: Airplanes have a limited supply of oxygen, typically lasting only 20 to 25 minutes. This gives the pilots a short amount of time to descend to a safe altitude.
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Terrain Obstacles: The rugged terrain of the Himalayas makes emergency landings extremely difficult, if not impossible. Attempting a forced landing in such a landscape would have very slim chances of survival.
In summary, while modern aircraft are capable of flying over the Himalayas, the risks associated with emergency descents and the limited oxygen supply in case of cabin depressurization make it a less desirable route, prioritizing passenger safety over the shortest distance.
