Why don't planes fly over the Himalayas?

 Thousands of passenger planes cross the sky, enabling people to cover vast distances quickly. While overflights are common both in cities and in the countryside, there are areas where planes do not fly as often. Examples are Antarctica and the Himalayas.

The Himalayas, home to the highest peak in the world - Mount Everest, with a height of more than 8,500 meters, are rarely frequented by planes. Commercial flights can reach altitudes as high as 13,000 meters, so why don't they fly over this area? There are several reasons.

People have everything they need to fly over the Himalayas. All you need to do is equip the plane properly, know the safest routes and obtain permission from the Chinese authorities.

First, planes must be specially equipped to fly at high altitudes. At this altitude, passengers may feel oxygen-deficient, which is why airplanes are equipped with oxygen tanks. Flying over the Himalayas requires more oxygen than usual, as pilots may have difficulty finding a place to lower their flight altitude in the event of air tightness.

Another challenge is safe flight routes. A plane crash over the Himalayas can be dangerous, but there are routes you can take even at lower altitudes. Crews must be familiar with those routes that have been developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Finally, it is necessary to obtain permission to fly over the Himalayas from the relevant regulatory authorities. It is a lengthy and costly process. After obtaining permission from these authorities, airlines must also obtain approval from the Chinese authorities, which can also be difficult and time-consuming.

As a result, most airlines choose to fly around the Himalayas. While this may take more time and fuel, passengers are safe and airlines avoid complicated paperwork.