What is the minimum en-route altitude (MEA) designed to provide?

The minimum en-route altitude (MEA) is established primarily to ensure both obstruction clearance and navigational signal reception for aircraft during flight within controlled airspace or along an airway. The MEA guarantees that an aircraft is flying at a safe altitude above terrain and obstacles, which is crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring safe navigation.

Furthermore, maintaining the MEA helps pilots receive adequate navigational signals from ground-based radio navigation aids, allowing for effective course tracking and navigation. This dual purpose is essential in ensuring pilot and passenger safety throughout the en-route segment of a flight, especially in areas where terrain may vary significantly or where the navigation infrastructure is critical to flight safety.