NEWS
2025-11-17
Worldwide Aviation Connections with Antarctica
Editor：AI Songtao (Wuhan University, CHINA)
Recently, the research team led by Professor Songtao Ai at the Chinese Antarctic Surveying and Mapping Research Center of Wuhan University published a paper in the International Journal of Digital Earth, entitled “Worldwide aviation connections with Antarctica: examining global linkages and their roles in scientific expeditions.” This study investigates the global connectivity of Antarctic aviation by integrating data on 86 aircraft operating in the region between 2020 and 2024, 80 runways distributed across the Antarctic continent, and 4,194 airports from 216 countries worldwide. The research mapped the flight trajectories of Antarctic aircraft, consolidated both intercontinental routes to Antarctica and inland routes within the continent, and further analyzed the structure of the Antarctic aviation network, the runway infrastructure, and its connections with other continents. In addition, the study quantified the frequency and patterns of global airport visits by Antarctic aircraft. It also explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Antarctic aviation connectivity, highlighting the role of air transport in facilitating the potential spread of viruses.
This study conducts a statistical analysis and classification of the 80 existing runways across the Antarctic continent. Based on their geographical location and surface material, the runways are categorized into five types: gravel runways, sled runways, sea ice runways, blue ice runways, and compacted snow runways. Among them, sled runways are the most numerous and widely distributed, totaling 48. They are followed by blue ice runways and sea ice runways, with 14 and 7 respectively. Notably, both blue ice runways and sea ice runways generally exhibit high structural stability, enabling them to accommodate the takeoff and landing of heavy aircraft.
This study systematically presents the aviation network linking Antarctica with other regions of the world, identifying four principal intercontinental routes to the continent: the South America route, the South Africa route, the Australia route, and the New Zealand route. Of all the intercontinental routes to and from Antarctica, the South America route and the South Africa route are the most frequently used. Owing to its unique geographical location, the South America route has become the primary route for landing in Antarctica.
By analyzing connection pathways and airport accessibility, the research reveals the global linkages with Antarctica, with particular attention to the key cities and airports most closely integrated into Antarctic aviation. Globally, 275 airports have established connections with the continent. Among them, Calgary (Canada), Whenuapai and Christchurch (New Zealand), and Punta Arenas (Chile) are among the most frequently used gateways. North America emerges as the continent with the densest and most extensive aviation connections to Antarctica, followed by Oceania and Europe. Leveraging its strategic geographic position, Oceania has become a critical hub for Antarctic access, while Europe hosts many of the nations most actively engaged in Antarctic research and tourism. Meanwhile, the southern tip and western coast of South America serve as popular departure points due to their proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, and southern Africa likewise functions as a common starting point for Antarctic flights.
In examining the impact of global connectivity on Antarctica, this study takes the COVID-19 pandemic as a case example, focusing on outbreaks at two representative research stations—Princess Elisabeth Station and McMurdo Station. It analyzes the role of aviation activities in facilitating the spread and transmission of the virus during the pandemic. Despite the relatively systematic governance of Antarctica by the international community, the continent remains vulnerable to external viral intrusions. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt robust and sustainable measures that ensure the continued conduct of scientific activities on the Antarctic continent while minimizing their ecological and epidemiological impacts.
Article Link：
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17538947.2025.2534500