Why do planes not fly the shortest routes? A review

摘要

Scholars and experts in air transport generally assume the distance flown between airports is the shortest route (also known as the great-circle distance or the orthodromic route). However, in the real world, planes follow longer itineraries. This paper reviews the factors of detours, based on interviews with pilots and experts in air navigation. Factors relate to (1) technical constraints, (2) natural processes (including meteorological conditions) and obstacles, (3) geopolitical factors and (4) social factors, which are all explored in this paper. Their temporary vs. permanent and spatial impact (small vs. long detours) varies significantly among factors and among cases, as well as their avoidable nature. Appropriate policies could lower detours. In addition, these results echo academic debates on the meaning of distance.