If you want to travel to Antarctica today, you typically have to book an expensive cruise and commit to a journey that can last from 10 days up to three weeks. While flights to the frozen continent do exist, they have been mostly limited to cargo and military research aircraft.
That situation could change. Icelandic airline Loftleidir, working with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions, spent months preparing to land a Boeing 757 passenger jet on Antarctica. In December they succeeded, selecting an area on Union Glacier’s ice runway for the operation. The successful landing demonstrated that a commercial jet can handle the unique conditions there and could open the door to more regular passenger flights.
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions currently brings about 500 visitors per season on small-group trips using cargo jets. The introduction of a passenger jet like the 757 could increase capacity, shorten travel times, and significantly improve comfort for travelers — including options such as business-class seating on the flight. This development may make Antarctic travel more accessible for those who can afford it while also offering a faster, more comfortable alternative to lengthy sea voyages.