Solar Storms Threaten Aviation — Flights at Risk

Scientists at the University of Surrey warn that solar storms pose a real threat to aviation: cosmic radiation at flight altitude can increase tenfold, and particles cause electronic malfunctions. In November 2025, radiation levels rose nearly tenfold, and in 1956 passengers could receive a dose comparable to the annual limit. The grounding of 6,000 Airbus A320s due to computer vulnerabilities confirms the risks. Scientists propose a new radiation scale to adjust flight routes.

Solar storms pose a real threat to civil aviation, scientists warn. A study by the Space Centre at the University of Surrey, published in the Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, shows that cosmic radiation at cruising altitudes of 8–14 kilometers can increase manyfold during periods of solar activity. In November 2025, radiation levels at civil aircraft cruising altitudes briefly increased nearly tenfold. The historical maximum of 1956 showed that passengers on a single flight could receive a dose comparable to the annual radiation limit from frequent flying. High-energy particles also disrupt aviation electronics, causing microchip malfunctions. The recent grounding of about 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft due to onboard computer vulnerabilities confirms the reality of the problem, as explained by Dr. Fan Lei. An incident involving an emergency landing of a JetBlue flight in Florida in autumn 2025 prompted inspections. Routes near the poles, such as from London to Vancouver, are most vulnerable. Scientists have developed a special atmospheric radiation scale for aviation so airlines can adjust routes or cancel dangerous flights. Professor Keith Ryden emphasized the need for unified risk assessment standards.