Winglets are vertical extensions of wingtips that improve an aircraft's fuel efficiency and cruising range. Designed as small airfoils, winglets reduce the aerodynamic drag associated with vortices that develop at the wingtips as the airplane moves through the air.

Why do we need winglets?

Winglets allow the wings to be more efficient at creating lift, which means planes require less power from the engines. ... Winglets help mitigate the effects of "induced drag." When an aircraft is in flight, the air pressure on top of the wing is lower than the air pressure under the wing.

Can a plane fly without winglets?

Winglets are the folded up piece at the end of the wing. They're installed to decrease wingtip vortices, which is another cause of drag on the aircraft. ... Without them, the plane will have to deal with more vortex drag, and will not be able to fly as easily, but it will still be able to fly.