# panhandle

/ˈpænˌhændəɫ/ (US) · /pˈænhændəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/panhandle
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a long, narrow piece of land that looks like a handle on a pan. In aviation, it refers to a specific area of the sky where planes must fly to reach a certain airport.

For teachers: a narrow strip of land projecting from the main body of a larger area. In an aviation context, it refers to a specific airspace corridor or flight path that extends from a main route to a specific destination.

## Examples

- The flight path follows the Gulf of Mexico panhandle.
- Pilots must navigate the panhandle to avoid restricted airspace over the mountain range before landing at the coastal airport.
- The strategic importance of the panhandle lies in its ability to provide a direct corridor for international flights, bypassing the more congested urban centers to the north.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.