How common are flight go arounds?

The Uncommon Maneuver: Demystifying Flight Go-Arounds

Passengers settling in for a landing might feel a surge of unexpected power, a sudden climb, and a missed connection with the runway. This is a go-around, a perfectly normal, though sometimes startling, flight maneuver. While it might feel like something went wrong, a go-around is actually a proactive safety measure, prioritizing a safe landing over a rushed one. But just how common are these aborted landings?

The answer, thankfully, is: not very. Go-arounds are relatively infrequent occurrences in the aviation world. The average rate globally sits somewhere between one and three go-arounds for every thousand approaches. Think of it this way: for every thousand attempts to land, only one to three flights will decide to circle around and try again.

However, this average can be misleading. Just as traffic congestion varies on roadways, air traffic density plays a significant role in go-around frequency. Busier airports, particularly major hubs with a constant stream of arrivals and departures, naturally see a higher rate of go-arounds. Recent data indicates that some major US airports are experiencing nearly four go-arounds per thousand arrivals, highlighting the challenges of managing high-volume air traffic.

This slight uptick in busier airspace underscores the importance of understanding the reasons behind a go-around. It’s not necessarily an indicator of pilot error or mechanical malfunction, but rather a testament to the stringent safety protocols governing aviation. A pilot might initiate a go-around for a variety of reasons, including:

• Unstable approach: If the aircraft isn’t perfectly positioned for landing, perhaps due to wind shear or an incorrect glide path, the pilot will opt for a safer second attempt.
• Runway incursion: Another aircraft, vehicle, or even an animal on the runway necessitates an immediate go-around.
• Sudden weather changes: A sudden downdraft or decrease in visibility can make landing unsafe, prompting a climb back to a safe altitude.
• Late landing clearance: If air traffic control delays landing clearance, the pilot might need to execute a go-around to maintain safe separation from other aircraft.

While a go-around might momentarily interrupt a passenger’s journey, it’s a crucial tool that ensures the highest level of safety in air travel. It represents a pilot’s commitment to prioritizing a safe, stable landing over a potentially risky one, even in the busiest of skies. So, the next time you experience a go-around, remember it’s not a cause for alarm, but rather a reassurance that your safety is the top priority.