Published on
November 15, 2025
A newly released global study has placed a spotlight on a series of flight paths that are believed to offer travellers a rare and uplifting experience by increasing the chances of witnessing rainbows, rainbow-dense regions, and lucky flight routes from the sky. Conducted by Wingbits in collaboration with atmospheric physicist Dr Elizabeth Austin, the research has been designed to identify those commercial journeys that most frequently pass over landscapes known for ideal conditions for rainbow formation. Across countries such as the USA, Canada, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Iceland, Cambodia, and China, these routes have been mapped with precision by combining flight-tracking information and meteorological data.
In aviation folklore, flying above a rainbow has long been associated with good fortune, and this study has aimed to trace the paths where such sightings are statistically more likely. Travellers on these routes are believed to have an enhanced chance of witnessing one of nature’s most visually enchanting spectacles from thousands of feet above the ground. By highlighting destinations that range from the icy fjords of Norway to the tropical settings of South America, the report brings forward a curated list of global journeys that blend science, scenery, and a sense of celestial wonder.
A comprehensive study by Wingbits has been released to identify commercial flights that most often pass over regions known for their high frequency of rainbow formation. Through a combination of flight-tracking datasets and atmospheric analysis, these flights have been recognised for giving passengers a heightened likelihood of witnessing rainbows from the aircraft window. The involvement of Dr Elizabeth Austin, who specialises in atmospheric sciences, has ensured that the research has been guided by scientific accuracy while maintaining relevance for the travel and tourism sector.
This global mapping has revealed that rainbow occurrences are most prominent in areas where sudden rain showers give way to strong sunlight, creating ideal optical conditions. These geographic pockets have been distributed across continents, resulting in a diverse set of lucky routes that span North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
Niagara Falls Crowned the World’s Luckiest Flight Corridor (USA & Canada)
According to the findings, the most fortunate flight path identified in the study is the commercial route between Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). This cross-border route between the USA and Canada has been recognised for flying directly over Niagara Falls, a site already celebrated for its mist-heavy atmosphere and frequent refractive displays.
The natural spray generated by the cascading waters of Niagara Falls has been known to create perfect rainbow arcs when the sunlight filters through the mist. This quality has placed the IAD–YYZ journey at the top of the global list, making it the world’s luckiest commercial route for rainbow sightings. Travellers on this path are often rewarded with views of both the iconic waterfall and the vibrant arcs that form above it during favourable weather conditions.
European Routes Over Italy’s Karersee Lake Add Alpine Magic (Italy, Croatia, Germany, Spain)
Several European routes have followed closely behind the top ranking. These routes share a common factor: each of them passes over Italy’s Karersee Lake in the Dolomites. Known for its crystal-clear waters and its vivid colour palette, this lake has long been considered one of the region’s most picturesque locations. Post-rain weather in the Dolomites frequently produces broad and luminous rainbows that reflect on the lake’s surface, amplifying the visual spectacle.
Three specific flight routes have been recognised within Europe:
London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubrovnik (DBV) in CroatiaMunich (MUC) to Palma de Mallorca (PMI) in SpainFrankfurt (FRA) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) in Italy
These journeys have been elevated in the ranking due to the unique combination of alpine meteorology and reflective lake surfaces that significantly increase rainbow visibility for travellers crossing this region.
Rainbow Sightings Across the American West (USA)
The research has also placed several American domestic routes on the list. These flights commonly traverse California’s Owens Valley, a dramatic high-desert basin nestled between the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. During the summer months, the region experiences isolated thunderstorms that quickly transition into bright, clear conditions—an ideal setting for rainbow formation.
Lucky American rainbow routes identified include:
Phoenix (PHX) to San Francisco (SFO)Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Fresno Yosemite (FAT)San Jose (SJC) to Las Vegas (LAS)San Francisco (SFO) to Las Vegas (LAS)
Additionally, the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO) route has been highlighted for its crossing over Yosemite’s renowned El Capitan. The granite cliffs and shifting weather patterns of Yosemite National Park create favourable optical conditions, allowing passengers to occasionally spot impressive rainbow arcs as they fly over Northern California.
South America’s Rainbow Corridor Over Iguazu Falls (Brazil)
South America has been represented in the findings through the Brazil route connecting Foz do Iguacu to Sao Paulo. This journey passes above Iguazu Falls, one of the largest and most celebrated waterfall systems in the world.
The immense volume of mist rising from Iguazu Falls, combined with frequent sunlight in the region, frequently produces massive, vibrant rainbows that stretch across the gorge. This consistent atmospheric behaviour has contributed to the route being recognised as one of the world’s luckiest for rainbow visibility.
A Northern Arc Over Iceland and Scotland (Iceland & United Kingdom)
Another international route has been acknowledged for its rainbow potential: London Gatwick (LGW) to Keflavik (KEF) in Iceland. This path passes above the Isle of Skye in Scotland, a location well known for its unpredictable weather and sudden breaks of sunlight. These rapid weather transitions often result in dramatic rainbow formations across the Scottish landscape, adding a scenic highlight for passengers travelling between the United Kingdom and Iceland.
Asian Routes Highlight Waterfall Views and Atmospheric Phenomena (Cambodia & China)
The study has also incorporated an Asian flight into its findings. The Phnom Penh (PNH) to Chongqing (CKG) route in Cambodia and China has been featured due to its passage over the Huangguoshu Waterfall. As one of Asia’s most famous waterfalls, Huangguoshu generates extensive mist and humidity, creating atmospheric conditions that often give rise to rainbows.
Travellers on this path are frequently provided with views of lush landscapes, cascading water systems, and the potential for rainbow sightings from above.
Through a blend of aviation data and atmospheric science, Wingbits has produced a curated global list of the world’s luckiest flight routes. From the waterfalls of the USA, Canada, Brazil, and China to the alpine lakes of Italy and the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, these journeys highlight how natural geography and weather can elevate the in-flight experience. Passengers flying along these paths are believed to have a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most uplifting phenomena—rainbows—making these routes especially appealing for both frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts.
