Explore a flight map and you’ll notice a curious thing: Although there are many planes flying around the world, most of the time, no planes are flying at all. Tibet Area. The Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World”, covers approximately 1.2 million square kilometers. It has only 8 airports, all above 3,500 m AMSL elevation. And this is the real problem!

With an elevation of only 5 km above sea level, Tibet is the largest area of ​​uplifted crust on Earth. Furthermore, the interior of the plateau is flat with internal drainage and low erosion rates. These geographical features are often challenging for commercial aircraft.

Why don’t planes fly over the Tibetan Plateau?

One of the main reasons aircraft avoid flying over the Tibetan Plateau is its extreme altitude. Higher altitude means thinner air – thus affecting the performance of aircraft engines.

Another important factor is the weather. The region is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. Strong winds and severe turbulence can pose serious risks to aircraft. Many people do not know but there is a danger of severe storm in this area.

Another big concern is its terrain. The region contains some of the most rugged mountains, with peaks reaching over 7,000 metres. Flying over such high peaks can be a bit dangerous, especially during an emergency. If an aircraft experiences engine trouble, there will be almost zero options for a safe landing.

The problem is further compounded by air traffic control. There are very few airports in the region. Meaning, very few air control facilities – making it difficult for pilots to get information.

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