7 Shocking Facts About Rising Turbulence in Flights
Turbulence has always been a part of flying.
But recent studies have revealed something truly alarming: it’s getting worse — much worse. A 2023 study by the University of Reading in the UK has found that turbulence is increasing significantly across the globe, and the main cause is climate change.
These 7 shocking facts about rising turbulence will uncover the truth behind this new sky-high challenge, how it’s affecting flyers, and what the future of air travel might look like.
🌪️ What Is Turbulence, and Why Should You Care?
Before we dive into the facts, let’s understand turbulence. In simple words, turbulence is bumpy air that shakes a plane during flight. It’s caused by changes in wind speed and direction, often near jet streams or storm clouds. While turbulence usually isn’t dangerous to the plane itself, it can be scary, uncomfortable, and even lead to serious injuries.
Now, due to climate change, the skies are becoming more unstable. Temperatures are rising, and this is messing with jet streams — the high-speed air currents planes rely on. The result? Stronger, more frequent, and unpredictable turbulence — especially a dangerous type called clear-air turbulence.
Let’s now look at the 7 shocking facts.
📉 1. Turbulence Has Increased by Over 55% Since 1979
A key finding from the University of Reading is that severe turbulence has gone up by 55% over North America since 1979. That’s more than half! And it’s not just extreme cases — moderate turbulence has jumped 37%, and light turbulence has risen by 17%.
This is not just a fluke or natural cycle. Scientists say this directly links to the changing climate, with warmer air strengthening wind shear — the difference in wind speed between air layers. More wind shear = more jolts in the sky.
🌍 2. Turbulence Is No Longer a Local Issue — It’s Global
You might think turbulence is a problem only for busy U.S. air corridors. But that’s not true anymore. Climate data now shows that Europe, the North Atlantic, South Asia, and Australia are all facing higher levels of mid-air instability.
In short, no matter where you fly, there’s a higher chance of facing rough skies, even on clear, sunny days.
💸 3. Turbulence Now Has a Cost — and It’s Rising
More turbulence doesn’t just make passengers anxious. It also has a huge financial impact on airlines.
Here’s how:
More fuel consumption: Pilots often change altitude to avoid bumpy air, burning more fuel.
Flight delays and rerouting: Leads to missed connections and extra costs.
Damage to planes: Turbulence can cause wear-and-tear to aircraft interiors and systems.
Increased insurance premiums for airlines.
Medical emergencies during flights.
A single serious turbulence event can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Over time, this can affect ticket prices and flight frequency, especially on long-haul routes.
🚑 4. In-Flight Injuries Are on the Rise
This is one of the most dangerous and overlooked outcomes. Most people don’t wear their seatbelts during smooth flights. But clear-air turbulence — which is invisible and unpredictable — strikes without warning.
Result? Passengers and crew are thrown around the cabin, hitting ceilings, seats, or trolleys.
According to FAA data:
About 58 people are injured by turbulence each year in the U.S. alone.
Most are flight attendants and unbuckled passengers.
These numbers are expected to rise.
In June 2023, a flight from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal, leaving over a dozen passengers injured
🌀 5. Clear-Air Turbulence Is the New Threat
We often think turbulence is tied to storms, clouds, or visible weather. But the most dangerous type — clear-air turbulence — happens at cruising altitudes, in clear skies, and with no warning signs.
It’s caused by sudden shifts in high-altitude jet streams and can strike mid-flight even on the sunniest of days.
Unfortunately, radars can’t detect it, making it nearly impossible for pilots to avoid.
And climate change? It’s fueling more of it.
🚀 6. Expect More Delays and Route Changes
As jet streams shift and become more unstable, pilots are having to change traditional routes to avoid hazardous areas. This leads to:
Longer flight durations
Unexpected layovers
Delayed arrivals
More carbon emissions (ironically, worsening the climate issue)
It’s a vicious cycle. As pilots go off-course to avoid dangerous air pockets, planes burn more fuel, which leads to more emissions, which further contribute to global warming.
🧍♂️ 7. What Should You Do As a Traveler?
You can’t stop climate change mid-air, but you can take steps to fly smarter and safer:
✅ Always wear your seatbelt — even when the sign is off.
✅ Book morning flights — turbulence is less frequent earlier in the day.
✅ Choose seats over the wings — they feel fewer bumps.
✅ Avoid walking during flight unless necessary.
✅ Keep electronics and hot drinks secure.
✅ Listen to safety instructions — especially on long-haul flights.
✅ Buy travel insurance to cover medical or delay issues.
These simple steps can make a big difference during unexpected rough patches in the sky.
🌡️ The Climate Connection: What This Means for the Planet
Let’s zoom out for a moment. Turbulence is just one part of a bigger problem. Climate change is affecting everything — from ocean levels to wildfires, and now, the sky above us.
Rising temperatures are disrupting natural systems that have been stable for centuries. The result? More uncertainty for travelers, pilots, and airlines.
Airlines will have to:
Improve radar technology to detect invisible turbulence.
Redesign flight paths.
Train pilots for more extreme conditions.
And as passengers, we must push for eco-friendly air travel — from using sustainable fuels to supporting green policies.
🔍 Did You Know?
Planes today experience twice as many turbulence events compared to flights in the 1980s.
Turbulence-related insurance claims have increased by 40% in the last decade.
Jet streams can travel as fast as 275 mph (440 km/h) — and they’re only getting wilder.
🧭 What the Future Looks Like
By 2050, scientists estimate that severe turbulence could triple on many popular air routes. Business flights across the North Atlantic and Asia-Pacific may need longer detours, or even additional fuel stops, just to stay safe.
Will flying become unsafe? Not likely — airplanes are built for much more than turbulence. But it will become:
More uncomfortable
Less predictable
Potentially more expensive
This adds more pressure on airlines, scientists, and world leaders to take stronger action against climate change — not just for the planet’s sake, but for every traveler up in the sky.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Turbulence isn’t just a minor annoyance anymore — it’s a clear and growing signal that our planet is in trouble. The sky is shaking not just because of winds, but because of what’s happening to Earth’s climate.
These 7 shocking facts about rising turbulence show us how deeply climate change is tied to modern life. From in-flight safety to economic loss, every bump in the sky now carries a message: we must act now.
Next time you’re on a plane, remember — the turbulence you feel may not just be a patch of rough air, but a warning sign from the environment itself.
Let’s listen.
Read more
🔗 External Verified Source:
University of Reading Study on Turbulence & Climate Change
