Aviation safety: Why aircraft must jettison fuel for emergency landings

Commercial aircraft must often jettison fuel during emergency situations to ensure a safe landing. This necessity arises from the significant difference between Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) and Maximum Landing Weight (MLW).

Landing an aircraft at its takeoff weight can exceed the structural limits of the landing gear, as the system may be unable to dissipate the immense kinetic energy. Furthermore, excessive weight increases stall speeds, forcing pilots to land at higher velocities. This creates risks such as runway overruns, tire bursts, brake fires, or severe structural damage to the airframe.