Planes do not fly over the Kaaba primarily due to the establishment of a no-fly zone over Mecca, the city where the Kaaba is located. This restriction is implemented for several key reasons:
Security and Safety
- Preventing Attacks: A primary concern is preventing potential attacks on the millions of pilgrims who gather in Mecca annually for Hajj and Umrah. A no-fly zone enhances security by minimizing the risk of aerial threats. [Source: Quora, various articles]
- Controlled Airspace: The restricted airspace allows for better monitoring and control of air traffic in and around Mecca, ensuring the safety of both aircraft and ground-based pilgrims. [Source: Aero Corner]
Religious Significance
- Respect for Pilgrims' Experience: The religious significance of Mecca and the Kaaba dictates a reverence for the space and the experience of pilgrims performing their religious rites. Having planes overhead would be seen as disruptive and disrespectful by many. [Source: Aero Corner, multiple Quora answers]
Practical Limitations
- Lack of Airport: The mountainous terrain surrounding Mecca makes constructing and operating an airport there impractical. Consequently, planes do not need to fly over the city. [Source: Reddit, Life in Saudi Arabia]
It is important to note that claims of magnetic fields or other unusual phenomena preventing flight over the Kaaba are unsubstantiated. The no-fly zone is entirely a security and religious measure. While birds may still fly over the area, they pose a minimal threat compared to aircraft.
