Photo: Анастасия Игоревна Петухова · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
A remote Arctic island between the Chukchi and East Siberian Seas, where woolly mammoths survived until 4,000 years ago. The icy island is visible on polar-route flights between North America and East Asia.
11Flight Routes
4 miClosest Pass
🐻❄️ IslandType
Routes that pass it11
CAI → HUH
Both Sides
HUH → CAI
Both Sides
BOS → ITM
Right
ITM → BOS
Left
BKK → IAH
Left
IAH → BKK
Right
DTW → TPE
Left
TPE → DTW
Right
CMH → TPE
Right
DTW → ICN
Left
ICN → DTW
Right
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Wrangel Island from a plane?
Yes — 11 flight routes pass within 31 miles of Wrangel Island. The closest routes include Cairo to Huahine Island, Huahine Island to Cairo, Boston to Osaka. The landmark is visible from both sides, with the landmark passing about 4 miles away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Wrangel Island?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Wrangel Island: on a Cairo to Huahine Island flight, visible from both sides; on a Huahine Island to Cairo flight, visible from both sides; on a Boston to Osaka flight, sit on the Right side.