Why Planes Don’t Fly Over the Poles Often
The Coldest Airspace on Earth
At the poles, temperatures can drop below -60°C. Such extreme cold can affect aircraft fuel, hydraulics, and sensors.
Magnetic Navigation Problems
Compasses go wild near the poles — the Earth’s magnetic field makes navigation tricky for pilots and flight computers.
Communication Blackout Zones
Satellites and radio signals don’t cover the poles well, making pilot-to-ATC communication difficult or even impossible.
Emergency Landing Risks
There are very few airports or rescue stations near the poles — making emergency landings extremely risky and far from help.
Limited Flight Routes
Only certain aircraft are certified for
ETOPS (Extended Operations)
, allowing them to fly far from alternate airports — most avoid polar zones.
When Planes Do Fly Over Poles
Some long-haul flights like
New York to Hong Kong
or
Dubai to Los Angeles
use polar routes — but only with special approval and tracking.
Explore how pilots plan complex flight paths and handle aviation challenges at
Skytech Aviation
, the
best airhostess training institute in Delhi
.