Halakhah su Salmi 107:4

A similar line of reasoning with regard to recitation of birkat ha-gomel subsequent to intercity air travel or a flight over a desert is advanced by Helkat Ya'akov without reference to the Rogatchover's ruling vis-à-vis tefillat ha-derekh. This analysis, which focuses upon the denotation of the term "derekh," does not, however, appear to be germane with regard to birkat ha-gomel. As Yabi'a Omer points out, the terminology employed by the Gemara with regard to birkat ha-gomel does not include use of the term "derekh." Although Yabi'a Omer and Bet Avi both note that the biblical verse cited by the Gemara in conjunction with travel through a desert, "They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way" (Psalms 107:4), does employ the term "derekh," Bet Avi comments that such reference does not occur in the verses quoted in conjunction with travel by sea. Both authorities emphasize that the Gemara speaks explicitly of "those who travel through the desert" indicating that the rabbinic edict is not predicated upon the connotation of the term "derekh." Although Rambam extends the obligation to "holekhei derakhim," i.e., all wayfarers, he should not be understood as employing that term in a strictly technical sense since it does not appear in the Gemara itself. Rather, Rambam simply expresses the view that the edict governing travel through a desert is not limited solely to that category of travel but includes all wayfarers. Thus, there is no reason to assume that only a person who traverses a "derekh" is required to recite birkat ha-gomel.