Just as there are certain parts of the ocean that cruise ships tend to avoid, there are also regions of the world that planes steer clear of.
Drake’s Passage is often referred to as one of the most perilous straits globally. This waterway connects the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, with the Southern Ocean lying just beneath it.
Its treacherous waters are believed to have claimed around 800 ships over the years, resulting in hundreds of lost lives.
Given this danger, it’s no surprise that many cruise ships opt to circumvent Drake Passage when they can.
Similarly, there’s a vast land area that pilots generally avoid, known as the Tibetan Plateau in Southwest China.
Spanning an impressive 2,500,000 square kilometers, it’s a significant expanse to be bypassing.
You might wonder why airlines avoid this region. The primary reason is Tibet’s mountainous terrain.
The average elevation in the Tibetan Plateau is about 14,800 feet. Although this is considerably lower than the typical cruising altitudes of commercial airlines, which range from 31,000 to 42,000 feet, it still presents challenges.
In an emergency, a plane needs to descend to 10,000 feet quickly to ensure safe oxygen levels. Over the Tibetan Plateau, this would be impossible due to the risk of crashing into one of the region’s towering mountains.
A further complication in the event of an emergency is the scarcity of airports in the Tibetan region, with only five major airports available.
Like Drake’s Passage, the Tibetan Plateau is subject to extreme weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of turbulence during flights.
Strong winds and sudden weather shifts are common in the region, creating unfavorable flying conditions.
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The area is also known for its extremely low temperatures, which pose a risk of freezing the jet’s fuel.
Simple Flying reports that Standard Jet A1 fuel has a freezing point of -47 degrees Celsius, while Jet A freezes at -40 degrees.
Although such low temperatures are rare, it is not impossible for airlines to encounter these conditions at high altitudes above Tibet’s already frigid mountains.