If you’ve ever travelled by air, you might have noticed that the cabin lights are dimmed during takeoff and landing. While it’s something most flyers observe, very few actually pause to wonder why this happens. Well, fret not because we’re here to shed light on it for you. Dr. Vandana Singh, Director of Global Corporate Key Account Management at Saudia Cargo, recently explained the real reason behind this common airline practice.
Dr. Vandana Singh shares why the cabin lights are dim during takeoff and landing
If you’ve ever been on a plane, you’ve probably seen the cabin lights being dimmed just before takeoff and landing. Most passengers don’t think twice about it, assuming it’s done to create a relaxing mood or to help people sleep. However, this common practice actually has a much more important reason as it’s a key safety measure. Dr. Vandana Singh, Director of Global Corporate Key Account Management at Saudia Cargo, recently explained to IndianExpress that the main purpose of dimming the lights,
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“The primary reason for dimming cabin lights during takeoff and landing is to help passengers’ eyes adjust to lower light conditions.”
When your eyes are exposed to darkness, they begin to adapt and become more sensitive to light. This process, known as “dark adaptation,” improves your ability to see in low-light situations. Dr. Singh points out that in the event of an emergency, especially one where visibility might be low, this adjustment can make a big difference.
Passengers will be able to spot emergency exit signs, path lighting, and other important cues more quickly and clearly. This means they can respond faster and move more safely in case a quick evacuation is needed.
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rast between the brightness inside the cabin and the outside environment, especially during night flights or cloudy conditions. Without this adjustment, stepping into a darker area after being in a brightly lit cabin can be more than just challenging.
Also read: Ever Wondered How Wi-Fi Works In Flight? Here’s The Answer
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Dimming the cabin lights, a safety measure practiced by all Airlines
You may wonder whether dimming cabin lights during takeoff and landing is something airlines are required to do by law. Interestingly, there are no strict international aviation rules that mandate this practice. Dr. Vandana Singh explains that although there aren’t specific regulations forcing airlines to dim the lights, most of them do it based on strong safety recommendations.
“While guidelines from national aviation authorities like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) inform these practices, airlines typically adopt them based on safety recommendations rather than strict regulatory requirements.”
It therefore is a good safety habit in aviation.
“Thus, while dimming cabin lights may not be universally mandated, it aligns with best practices for enhancing passenger safety.”
Other practiced safety measures that may go unnoticed
While most passengers are familiar with wearing seatbelts during takeoff and landing, there are several other safety measures happening behind the scenes that often go unnoticed. According to Dr. Vandana Singh, one such measure is the requirement to keep window shades open. It allows both the crew and passengers to quickly assess the outside environment in case of an emergency.
“This practice allows both passengers and crew members to assess external conditions and identify any potential hazards outside the aircraft”
Being able to see out of the window helps identify smoke, fire, or debris that could affect evacuation decisions.
Another important safety step is ensuring that all personal items are properly stowed. Loose items like bags, laptops, or bottles can turn into dangerous projectiles if the plane experiences sudden braking or turbulence.
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“Securing personal items is crucial; loose items must be stowed properly to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during turbulence or sudden stops.”
That’s why cabin crew ask passengers to place their belongings under the seat or in the overhead bins.
Similarly, keeping seatbacks in the upright position isn’t just for comfort, it allows passengers to take the correct brace position.
“This not only provides optimal brace positions for passengers but also reduces the risk of injury during unexpected events.”
Dr. Singh also highlights the role of flight attendants and the emergency lighting system. The crew’s safety briefing, often overlooked by frequent flyers, is crucial for reminding everyone about important details.
“Flight attendants play a vital role in passenger safety by conducting pre-flight safety briefings. These briefings inform passengers about emergency exits, proper seatbelt usage, and how to operate oxygen masks and life vests if necessary.”
Meanwhile, emergency lights installed along the floor help guide passengers to the exits if the cabin becomes dark or filled with smoke. Together, all these safety practices are designed to protect passengers during the most critical parts of the flight and ensure they are ready to act quickly in any emergency, says, Dr. Vandana Singh.
Also read: Pilot Explains Why Window Shades Must Be Kept Open During Takeoff And Landing
Were you aware of such facts? Do share your thoughts after knowing them via the comments below.
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