Planes generally avoid flying over Tibet due to safety concerns related to the region's high altitude and mountainous terrain.
Safety Concerns
The primary reasons airlines choose to avoid flying over Tibet are:
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High Altitude: The Tibetan Plateau has a very high average elevation. If a plane were to experience a problem, descending to a safe altitude quickly would be extremely difficult. According to a reference dated 19-Aug-2024, "Given the average elevation of the Tibetan Plateau, descending that low isn't usually an option, which could spell trouble for any plane experiencing difficulties."
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Turbulence: The mountains in the Tibetan region create significant air turbulence. This makes for a bumpy and potentially unsafe flight. The reference stated on 19-Aug-2024 also notes that "mountains create turbulence."
Impact on Flights
These factors make flying over Tibet risky:
- Reduced Maneuverability: High elevations and mountainous terrain limit the aircraft's ability to maneuver in emergencies.
- Increased Stress on Aircraft: The turbulence can cause undue stress on the aircraft's structure.
- Passenger Discomfort: Severe turbulence can cause discomfort and anxiety for passengers.
Alternatives
Instead of flying directly over Tibet, airlines usually take alternative routes that are:
- Safer: Routes are planned to avoid the high elevations and mountains of Tibet.
- More Stable: Flights are routed to avoid regions with known high turbulence.
- More Efficient: Though it may sometimes appear as a longer path on a map, avoiding turbulent conditions and planning for optimal cruising altitudes can sometimes result in better fuel efficiency and arrival time.
Therefore, the decision to avoid flying over Tibet is largely based on established protocols for passenger and aircraft safety.
