Discover the mystery: Why commercial flights to Europe fly over Greenland?
Have you ever wondered why flights to Europe go over Greenland? It might seem like a strange route to take, but there’s actually a pretty good reason for it. In this article, we’ll explore the history of air travel over Greenland and the role it plays in modern aviation.
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The History of Flights over Greenland
Long before the advent of commercial air travel, pilots were already navigating the harsh Arctic terrain of Greenland. During World War II, the US Army Air Corps established airfields in Greenland as part of a strategic effort to protect Allied shipping lanes in the North Atlantic.
After the war, airline companies such as Pan American Airways began offering transatlantic flights via Greenland. These flights were particularly popular during the Cold War, when tensions with the Soviet Union made traditional routes across Europe less safe.
The Role of Greenland in Modern Aviation
Today, Greenland continues to play a key role in modern aviation. Its location near the North Pole makes it an important waypoint for flights between North America and Europe. But why exactly do flights cross over Greenland, instead of taking a more direct route?
The answer lies in the Jet Stream, a fast-moving, high-altitude air current that circles the globe at latitudes near the Arctic and Antarctic. By flying in the Jet Stream, pilots can take advantage of tailwinds that can increase their speed by up to 150 miles per hour.
However, the Jet Stream doesn’t always follow a straight path across the ocean. Depending on the time of year and other factors, it can meander southwards, creating a longer route for planes to follow. In these cases, flying over Greenland can actually be faster and more fuel-efficient than trying to fly directly across the ocean.
The Environmental Impact of Flights over Greenland
While flying over Greenland may be more fuel-efficient, it’s important to note that it can also have a significant environmental impact. The Arctic region is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and aircraft emissions contribute to the melting of glaciers and sea ice.
That’s why many airlines are now looking into alternative routes that can minimize their impact on the environment. For example, some flights now travel further north, over the Arctic Ocean, in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
In Conclusion…
And that’s why flights to Europe go over Greenland! From its historic role in aviation during World War II and the Cold War to its position as a key waypoint for modern air travel, Greenland has played an important part in the development of commercial aviation.
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that the environmental impact of air travel will become an increasingly important consideration. Whether through alternative routes or new technologies, we can always strive to make aviation more sustainable and Earth-friendly.
