Why is flying over populated areas typically avoided?

Flying over populated areas is typically avoided primarily to minimize risk to people and property in case of an emergency. In the event of an in-flight emergency, such as engine failure, having an area with fewer people and structures below allows for a safer landing or forced landing. This precaution helps ensure that should an aircraft encounter difficulties, the potential for injury or damage to individuals and property on the ground is greatly reduced.

Furthermore, the potential consequences of an accident in densely populated areas can be much more severe due to the high density of people and infrastructure. By choosing to fly over less populated or uninhabited areas, pilots can mitigate these risks and ensure a higher level of safety for both the occupants of the aircraft and those on the ground.

While other factors like noise pollution and adherence to air traffic control regulations are considerations in aviation, the primary concern when it comes to aerial operations over populated areas centers on emergency risk management.