Why Don't Some Passenger Planes Take Direct Routes Between Nearby Cities?

Some commercial flights don't follow direct routes between nearby cities due to operational, economic and logistical factors rather than geography.

Operating costs

Direct routes aren't always profitable. Operating short-haul routes requires high load factors to cover fixed costs such as maintenance, crew and fuel. Airlines may prefer indirect routes with a higher volume of passengers or associated cargo.

Network optimization

Airlines design flight networks that connect intermediate cities to maximize efficiency. For example, a flight between two nearby cities might be rerouted through a commercial hub (such as Madrid or London) to serve multiple destinations with fewer aircraft.

Airport limitations

Some small airports lack the infrastructure for large aircraft. In these cases, operating from a larger nearby airport (with better connectivity and services) can be more practical.

Weather factors

Indirect routes can avoid areas with extreme weather or mountainous terrain where flight risks are higher, even if the route is slightly longer.

Economies of scale

Commercial aircraft are more efficient on medium-distance routes. Short-haul routes might not fully utilize the aircraft's capacity, which reduces profitability.

Regulations and schedules

Operating schedules and safety rules (such as crew rest requirements) can encourage itineraries with layovers in order to meet legal requirements.

Practical example

A flight between Lisbon and Madrid might be rerouted through Paris if the airline offers connections to other European cities, optimizing the use of its fleet and increasing the number of passengers served.

Conclusion

Flight route deviations are more closely tied to economic, logistical and regulatory viability than to geographic distance. Airlines prioritize sustainable business models over the