Claims frequently circulate across social media platforms alleging that aircraft are unable to fly over the Kaaba in Makkah because it represents the “centre of the Earth” or possesses a unique gravitational or magnetic force. These claims have spread widely in multiple languages for years and are often presented as established scientific facts.
However, aviation specialists and scientific experts have repeatedly clarified that these claims are inaccurate and have no recognised scientific basis.
Aviation Expert Explains the Real Reason
Saudi aviation specialist Hassan Al Ghamdi, who identified himself as a flight supervisor, addressed the issue in a widely circulated video explaining the actual reasons aircraft do not fly directly over the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Al Ghamdi rejected several popular claims promoted online, including allegations that a magnetic field above Makkah prevents aircraft from crossing the area or that atmospheric disturbances create instability that makes flying impossible.
He explained that the primary reason is operational and geographical rather than supernatural or scientific.
According to Al Ghamdi, Makkah is surrounded by mountainous terrain, placing aircraft routes relatively close to areas where pilgrims gather for Hajj and Umrah. Allowing planes to fly directly above the holy sites could create significant noise disturbance and distraction for worshippers performing their rituals.
He also explained that the airspace surrounding the Grand Mosque is treated as part of the sacred sanctuary area designated specifically for Muslims. Just as Makkah contains entry points restricted to Muslims, similar considerations apply to the protected airspace above the holy area.
Makkah Does Not Have an International Airport
It is also important to note that Makkah itself does not contain an airport. Pilgrims arriving for Hajj and Umrah typically enter through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or through airports in Madinah before travelling onward to the holy city.
This logistical reality further explains why major flight routes are not centred directly above the Kaaba.
What Does the Qur’an Say About the Kaaba?
The Holy Qur’an describes the Kaaba as the first house established for humanity for the worship of Allah alone. It also mentions that Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, peace be upon them, raised its foundations as a sacred house of worship for believers.
However, Islamic texts do not attribute supernatural aviation related properties, magnetic phenomena, or unique gravitational characteristics to the Kaaba as claimed in viral online posts.
For Muslims, the sanctity of the Kaaba comes from its religious significance, its role as the direction of prayer, and its connection to the worship of Allah, rather than from unverified scientific theories circulated on social media.
The Scientific Reality
From a scientific perspective, the claims surrounding aircraft being physically unable to fly over the Kaaba are unsupported.
Many viral posts confuse gravity with the Earth’s magnetic field, despite the fact that they are entirely separate scientific concepts.
Gravity refers to the natural force through which bodies attract one another. The Earth’s gravity affects everything on the planet equally, including aircraft flying across different regions of the world.
A magnetic field, on the other hand, refers to the invisible field surrounding magnetic objects. Scientists have found no evidence of an unusual magnetic phenomenon over Makkah that would prevent aviation activity.
Ultimately, the restrictions related to flights over the Kaaba are based on operational, geographical, and administrative considerations tied to the sanctity and management of the holy sites rather than mysterious physical forces or supernatural scientific anomalies.
