Why airlines avoid flying over the Pacific Ocean

Airlines avoid direct flights over the Pacific Ocean due to the Earth's spherical shape and safety considerations. The shortest routes often pass closer to the poles rather than following a straight line on a flat map. Safety requires proximity to alternate airports and the difficulty of rescue at sea. Fuel consumption is also taken into account. Direct flights, for example, from the US to Perth, exist but are rare.

Airlines avoid direct flights over the Pacific Ocean for two main reasons: the geometry of the Earth and safety. Due to the planet's spherical shape, the shortest routes often pass closer to the poles rather than following a straight line on a flat map. For example, flights from New York to Manila bypass the ocean and go via the North Pole. The main factor is safety: in case of technical problems or deteriorating weather, the crew needs the possibility of an emergency landing, so routes are laid near coastal airports. A rescue operation in the event of a water landing in the open ocean is extremely difficult. Fuel consumption is also taken into account: there is no refueling in the ocean, although a reserve supply is provided. Direct flights across the ocean exist, for example, from the US to Perth, Australia, but this is a rare exception. The article references the website Islands.

Why airlines avoid flying over the Pacific Ocean