Flying from London to Bangkok? You might be surprised to learn the most direct route isn’t the one airlines take anymore.
In the past, flights would take a path close to a "great circle route," the shortest distance between two points on a sphere (like Earth). This path for London to Bangkok would head northeast over Europe, Russia, and China.
But due to airspace closures, airlines now avoid flying over Russia. This means the flight path takes a more southerly route, adding distance to the journey.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Distance: The actual flight distance is around 5,984 miles (9,628 kilometers), but the current route can be longer.
- Flight Time: Expect the flight to take around 11 to 12 hours.
- Route: The new path typically heads northeast from London, skirting around Russia. It may fly over countries like Kazakhstan and western China before entering Thai airspace.
For those curious about the nitty-gritty, websites like FlightAware [flight tracking website] can allow you to track specific flights and see their real-time paths.
While the detour adds distance, airlines are constantly optimizing their routes for efficiency. So, you can relax and enjoy the ride knowing you’re on the most up-to-date flight path to Bangkok.
