If you have ever flown on an airplane, chances are you have noticed something curious, just before takeoff and again during landing, the cabin lights are dimmed. Have you noticed? It is one of those things that seems so routine, most of us never question it.
Some might assume it’s to help people relax, set the mood, or maybe save power. But here’s the truth: it’s not about ambience, so it’s all about safety.
According to Dr. Vandana Singh, Director of Global Corporate Key Account Management at Saudia Cargo, the dimming of cabin lights has a very practical, potentially life-saving reason behind it.
“The primary reason for dimming cabin lights during takeoff and landing is to help passengers’ eyes adjust to lower light conditions,” Dr. Singh told Indian Express.
This process, called dark adaptation, helps your eyes become more sensitive to light and allows you to see better in low-light environments. So in the rare case that something goes wrong during takeoff or landing — which are statistically the two most critical phases of flight — your eyes will already be prepped for quick action.
Imagine if the lights stayed bright and suddenly there was an emergency where visibility was poor or the cabin went dark. Your eyes would take precious seconds to adjust — and in an emergency, every second counts.
Safety First: Seeing in the Dark Could Save Your Life
Let’s say an emergency evacuation is needed. With your eyes already adapted to the dim setting, you’ll be more likely to quickly spot emergency exits, follow floor path lighting, and read safety signs. It’s a small adjustment that could make a major difference in how safely and quickly passengers can respond in a crisis.
So next time you’re buckling in for takeoff and the lights go down, know that it’s not about comfort — it’s your first line of defense in an emergency.
Is This a Rule or Just a Good Habit?
Interestingly, there’s no hard law that forces airlines to dim the lights during takeoff and landing. Surprised? Dr. Singh explains that although aviation authorities like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the U.S. and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) do provide safety guidelines, dimming the lights isn’t a strict regulatory mandate.
“Airlines typically adopt this practice based on strong safety recommendations rather than formal requirements,” Dr. Singh noted.
So while it’s not technically required, almost every airline around the world follows this practice — because, frankly, it just makes sense. It’s one of those industry standards that’s based on logic, experience, and prioritizing safety over everything else.