SUMMARY
One of the main reasons airlines avoid flying over the Tibetan Plateau is that in an emergency, oxygen masks are first activated for passengers, but these masks provide oxygen for only 15 to 20 minutes.
1 / 8The Tibetan Plateau in Central Asia is often called the “roof of the world” for the stunning aerial views it offers of its majestic mountains and pristine landscapes. It is the largest and highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of more than 4,500 metres (15,000 feet). (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8If you check any flight radar app (e.g. Flight Track), you won’t see a single plane over the Tibetan Plateau. So why do airlines avoid the shortest straight route that would shorten the route to cross Asia? (Image: Flights Radar)
3 / 8The Tibetan Plateau is home to the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest and K2, making the route a dangerous option for pilots. Here are five reasons why passengers avoid this route. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 8No. 1. One of the main reasons is that whenever an emergency landing occurs, oxygen masks are first activated for the passengers. But these oxygen masks provide oxygen for only 15 or 20 minutes. In an emergency, within 20 minutes, a pilot must reduce the plane’s altitude to 3,000 meters, but in most of the Tibet region there is no free space for a passenger plane to safely descend to that level.
5 / 8No. 2. Additionally, because the air is thinner at altitudes above 14,000 feet, it is difficult for jet engines to rely on oxygen for combustion, and thin air reduces available oxygen, potentially leading to a decrease in engine power and thrust. (Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 8No. 3. The lack of engine power will prevent the plane from generating lift during takeoff and landing. And the lack of a longer runway, which is non-existent in this region, adds to the challenges. (Image: Shutterstock)
7 / 8No. 4. Even when flying at high altitude, it is essential to maintain adequate cabin pressure to prevent oxygen deprivation. But when a plane flies over the Tibetan Plateau, the plane’s pressurisation system can be put under additional strain. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 8No. 5. As it is a less habitable region, the climate and topography have also been unexplored by the aviation industry, making it an unknown demon for fishermen. When winds blow over it, they can create powerful air waves known as mountain waves. (Image: Reuters)
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