Have you ever wondered why planes dim the lights for landing? A PILOT has revealed why it’s important for planes to dim their lights before landing. Making the cabin darker before touch down is an important safety measure that could potentially save passengers’ lives.

Many travellers are unclear if it’s meant to force those on board to put down their books or phones and pay attention, or if the lighting is simply a ploy by airline staff to ensure a dramatic finale when they finally touch down.

However, a pilot has finally revealed why the lights go out as soon as an aeroplane descends- and it’s a much more important safety measure than first meets the eye.

Pilot Chris Cooke, who flies with a major domestic airline, has told Travel + Leisure magazine that the procedure is a precautionary measure that allows passengers’ eyes to adjust more quickly to darkness. This is in case something goes wrong on descent and an emergency evacuation is suddenly required.

He explains: “Imagine being in an unfamiliar bright room filled with obstacles when someone turns off the lights and asks you to exit quickly.”

Dimming cabin lights before descent subtly prepares passengers to find their way to an emergency exit, especially when the aisle is illuminated.

There are also health and safety reasons behind asking passengers to leave their blinds up before landing. By allowing more natural brightness into the aircraft, if the cabin lights cut off during a crisis, it is easier for passengers to see the path towards an emergency exit.