Is It Safe to Fly on Bonfire Night?

With Bonfire Night approaching on November 5th, many people in the UK are gearing up to celebrate with traditional bonfires and fireworks displays. But if you have a flight booked that night, you may be wondering: is it safe to fly with all those fireworks in the sky?

Not to worry, our team of aviation experts here at AirDrate have the answers for you, so sit back and relax!

Fireworks and Aircraft: Are They a Real Threat?

Let’s break it down: professional-grade fireworks reach heights of around 1,300 feet at most, while typical home fireworks only go up to about 400 feet. In contrast, commercial airplanes cruise at an altitude of 35,000 feet, far beyond the reach of even the most powerful fireworks. So when you’re sitting back in your seat, you’re well above the firework displays lighting up the night below.

But What About Takeoff and Landing?

You may wonder if fireworks pose any risk when planes are closer to the ground, such as during takeoff or landing. Airports are specifically designed with safety in mind, surrounded by large buffer zones that keep both pilots and passengers safe. It’s also illegal to set off fireworks near an airfield without prior permission. For professional fireworks shows, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires organizers to notify them in advance, ensuring no displays are set up within three miles of a runway or in the direct approach and takeoff paths up to 10 miles out.

In addition, pilots are kept informed of any fireworks displays close to their route, and if needed, air traffic control can adjust flight paths accordingly. With these precautions in place, the risk of fireworks interfering with aircraft is minimal.

So, if you have a flight scheduled on Bonfire Night, there’s no need to worry. Sit back, relax, and maybe even enjoy the festive lights as you ascend above the celebrations!