Atlantic Bridge

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Map of the route
Map of the route

The Atlantic Bridge is a flight route from Gander, Newfoundland, Canada to Scotland, with a refueling stop in Iceland.

During the Second World War, new bombers flew this route.

This route is no longer used, due to the advent of modern jet airliners which can fly a direct route from Canada or the United States to Europe without the need for a fueling stop. If fuel costs rise high enough, this route may come into use again, especially if Iceland begins to manufacture a kerosene substitute using electricity from geothermal energy.[citation needed]

This route is longer overall than the direct route and involves an extra landing and takeoff, which is costly in fuel terms. A direct route can be efficient as it allows cruising at high altitude. A stop over on Greenland might also be possible, although at present no facility exists in Greenland capable of serving commercial airliners.