How common is it for planes to abort landing?

Plane Aborted Landings: A Matter of Safety

Frequency of Go-Arounds

When an aircraft aborts its landing, it is referred to as a go-around. This is a common occurrence, occurring at a rate of 1-3 per 1000 approaches. While go-arounds can cause inconvenience to passengers and airlines alike, they are an essential safety measure.

Factors Influencing Frequency

The frequency of go-arounds can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Airline: Certain airlines have stricter safety protocols, which can lead to a higher frequency of go-arounds.

• Operating Conditions: Poor weather, visibility issues, or unexpected obstacles on the runway can necessitate go-arounds.

Non-Emergency Reasons for Go-Arounds

Go-arounds are not inherently emergencies. They can be initiated for various non-emergency reasons, such as:

• Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions: ATC may instruct aircraft to perform go-arounds due to changes in traffic patterns or potential conflicts.

• Landing gear issues: If the landing gear is not properly deployed or functioning, a go-around is necessary to avoid a potential runway accident.

• Engine problems: If one or more engines experience problems, the pilot may choose to execute a go-around to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew.

• Improper approach: If the aircraft is not aligned properly with the runway or is approaching at an unsafe speed, the pilot may initiate a go-around to correct the situation.

Safety Implications

Go-arounds are an important safety measure. By diverting aircraft from landing, pilots can avoid potential accidents caused by factors such as runway obstacles, weather conditions, or mechanical issues.

Passenger Experience

While go-arounds can be disruptive to the passenger experience, they are ultimately for the safety and well-being of everyone on board. Passengers should understand that go-arounds are a necessary part of aviation safety.