North Pole Flight Routes: A Viable Path for Europe-Asia Travel?
In the 1970s and 1980s, flights between Europe and North Asia, such as Japan, commonly traversed the North Pole with refuelling stops in Anchorage, Alaska. Under current circumstances, is this route still a viable option for travel between Europe and the Far East? Simon Calder addresses this query and more in his latest travel advice column.
Historical Context and Modern Alternatives
Historically, the standard routing from London to Tokyo via Anchorage persisted until the late 1980s. Improved engine technology and the opening of Soviet airspace to Western airlines then allowed Boeing 747s to adopt more direct paths over Siberia. The most efficient route between the UK and Japanese capitals now passes over Oslo, Swedish and Finnish Lapland, the Arctic Ocean, and extensive stretches of northern and eastern Siberia, saving nearly 2,000 miles compared to the Anchorage option.
However, the closure of Russian skies to Western airlines has reintroduced Alaska into flightpaths. For instance, All Nippon Airways flight NH211 from Tokyo Haneda to London Heathrow recently followed a northeast trajectory to the Bering Strait and Alaska, exiting North America over Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), crossing the high Canadian Arctic and Greenland, clipping eastern Iceland, and landing in the UK via the Isle of Lewis. This journey covered 7,300 miles in 13 hours and 33 minutes, still longer than a trans-Siberian route. An alternative southern path to avoid Russia would be even more time-consuming due to battling the jet stream.
Fuel Efficiency and Operational Considerations
With such extended routes, refuelling stops could conserve fuel, as flights beyond approximately 10 hours burn significant kerosene to carry extra fuel. A stop in Alaska might add at least 90 minutes to travel time, with potential crewing implications such as requiring additional pilots or cabin crew based on union agreements. Currently, airlines continue to operate nearly over the pole, hoping for peace between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East to reopen more direct airspaces.
Travel Advice: Mauritius and Faro
In other travel queries, Simon Calder offers insights on holidays to Mauritius and recommendations for Faro. For a trip to Mauritius via Dubai in early June, he notes that while the island is a beautiful destination with a dry, mild climate during the northern summer, current Foreign Office advice lists Dubai as a no-go zone due to security risks from Iranian targeting of airports. Travel companies affiliated with Abta must adhere to this advice and refund trips if alternative routings cannot be found. Non-Abta members, however, are not bound by this code, and Package Travel Regulations may not guarantee refunds. Calder suggests that with two months until departure, the situation might change, and he personally views the risk as overstated, recommending travellers consider proceeding rather than losing money.
For a five-night stay in Faro, staying in a marina hotel and relying on foot or train transport, Calder highlights the city's overlooked charm. He recommends exploring the ninth-century Cidade Velha (Old Town) within medieval walls, visiting the cathedral with Roman foundations, and enjoying local eateries like Chefe Branco seafood restaurant. Day trips by public transport to Tavira, Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Ayamonte in Spain, Lagos, and Loule are suggested, along with a visit to Praia de Faro beach before departure.
