Passengers may have noticed that cabin lights are dimmed during take-off and landing, and while some theories suggest it is to reduce light pollution, pilots have clarified the real reason is for safety.
Pilot and author Patrick Smith explained that dimming the lights helps passengers' eyes adjust to darkness in case of an emergency. “If something happens and the power goes out, you're not suddenly blinded, and you can dash for the doors in darkness or smoke,” he said.
Fellow pilot Rohan Bhatnagar added that the probability of an incident is higher during take-off and landing. With dimmed lights, emergency exit signs and floor path markers become more visible, aiding quick evacuation.
The practice also helps passengers and crew assess external dangers such as engine fires. Additionally, it conserves engine power during critical high-power phases, though this is a minor benefit.
