Worldwide aviation connections with Antarctica: examining global linkages and their roles in scientific expeditions
Antarctica is a region of immense scientific and geopolitical importance. The study analyzes Antarctic aviation connectivity, combining data on 86 aircraft operating in the region and the global aviation network comprising 80 runways on the Antarctica continent and 4,194 airports across 216 countrie...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-08-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Digital Earth |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/17538947.2025.2534500 |
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| Summary: | Antarctica is a region of immense scientific and geopolitical importance. The study analyzes Antarctic aviation connectivity, combining data on 86 aircraft operating in the region and the global aviation network comprising 80 runways on the Antarctica continent and 4,194 airports across 216 countries, and maps flight trajectories, examines intercontinental and inland routes, and evaluates aviation's role in Antarctic science and logistics, offering insights into optimizing polar aviation systems and managing emerging challenges. The study also examines the aviation network for aircraft operating in Antarctica, analyzes the aviation connections between Antarctica and other continents, and determines the number of visits and activities of Antarctic aircraft at airports worldwide between January 2020 and January 2024. By examining the flight activity during the study period, it identifies four main access routes via South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Cities such as Calgary, Christchurch, and Punta Arenas exhibit strong ties with Antarctica, with North America having the densest connectivity. It also explores Antarctica’s global connectivity and the impact of COVID-19 on the continent, highlighting the role of aviation connections in the spread and transmission of the virus. The results underscore the need for sustainable and collaborative approaches in future polar research. |
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| ISSN: | 1753-8947 1753-8955 |