Why Most Passenger Planes Fly Over Greenland from North America to Europe
While it may seem counterintuitive, the majority of flights from North America to Europe often opt to fly over Greenland. This phenomenon is not unique; flights from locations such as Denmark to Salt Lake City or Alaska also follow this route. The reason behind this journey lies in the unique geography and atmospheric conditions of the Earth.
Great Circle Routes
The concept of great circle routes is fundamental in understanding why flights choose to pass over Greenland. The shortest path between two points on a globe is along a great circle, which is the intersection of the Earth's surface and a plane passing through its center. This makes flying over Greenland a practical choice for flights traveling from the northeastern US to Europe. The curvature of the Earth dictates that this route is the most direct path, even though it may appear curved on a two-dimensional map.
Jet Stream Utilization
Another significant factor influencing this routing is the jet stream. The jet stream is a high-altitude fast-moving air current that often flows over Greenland during mid-latitude flights. Airlines take advantage of these atmospheric conditions to reduce both flight time and fuel consumption. By aligning with the jet stream, planes can accelerate, resulting in a more efficient journey.
Optimal Fuel Efficiency and Emergency Diversion
The route over Greenland also offers advantages in terms of fuel efficiency. Factors such as prevailing wind patterns and air traffic congestion make this a more optimal path for many airlines. Additionally, having a nearby landmass like Greenland provides a potential diversion point for emergency landings. While rare, the presence of a nearby landmass can be crucial in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Understanding Great Circle Routes
It’s important to understand that maps often distort the true shape of the Earth, especially when they use rectalinear projections. These projections, such as the Mercator projection, can create an illusion that a straight line from the East Coast of the USA to Europe is curving north. In reality, a great circle route would make the path straight, as it follows the shortest distance on the surface of a sphere.
The straight line between the US and Europe is often over Greenland, but it appears curved when seen on a map. This route is common because it minimizes the amount of water an aircraft has to cross, which is critical in the case of engine failures, where a safe landing site is vital.
Notable Examples
For instance, a flight from Dubai to Dallas, Texas, took the northernmost of the four main transatlantic routes. This route follows the great circle path, flying over Northern Greenland and down over the Hudson Bay. Passengers have the opportunity to observe the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland and gain a deeper understanding of the world's geography.
The number of aircraft traversing this route each day is staggering, with approximately 7000 flights. To ensure sufficient space for all planes, four major flight lanes have been established, breaking up the journey into more manageable segments.
Conclusion
The decision to fly over Greenland is a strategic choice made by airlines to optimize efficiency, safety, and comfort for passengers. Understanding the reasoning behind this route can help travelers appreciate the complexities of global air travel and the earth's geography.
For those who have yet to explore the world, it is always beneficial to step out of one's comfort zone and embark on a journey. Doing so not only broadens horizons but also deepens our understanding of the world we live in.