Solar storms pose radiation and electronic risks to aviation

Researchers at the University of Surrey Space Centre have warned that extreme solar storms pose significant risks to commercial aviation. A study published in the Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate indicates that atmospheric radiation can increase substantially at cruising altitudes between 8 and 14 kilometers.

During extreme solar events, radiation levels can spike abruptly. For instance, during a major solar storm in November 2025, radiation levels reportedly reached nearly ten times the normal value for high-altitude flight.

The risk extends beyond radiation exposure for passengers and crew. High-energy particles can interact with an aircraft’s electronic circuits, causing Single Event Upsets (SEU). While these individual particle-induced errors are rare under normal conditions, extreme solar activity could increase the frequency from a few per hour to thousands of errors per hour, potentially impacting critical aircraft systems.