Here’s Why Planes Circle Before Landing—And What Could Happen If They Didn’t

Here’s Why Planes Circle Before Landing—And What Could Happen If They Didn’t

We’ve all been there: As you’re approaching your destination, you feel the plane begin its descent. You might even spot a landmark or two nearby. Then, just when it looks like the plane is about to land at the airport, it starts to make wide turns in the sky, like the pilot’s taking the scenic route before finally coming in for a landing. Passengers looking at the in-flight map may be left wondering what gives.In my experience, circling usually …