Turbulent Skies: The Rise in In-Flight Turbulence and Its Consequences for Airlines and Passengers

Recently, the frequency of in-flight turbulence has been on the rise, causing concern among airlines and passengers alike. Several incidents involving airline passengers requiring medical attention have made headlines, including Singapore Airlines Ltd., Qatar Airways, and Air Europa experiencing sudden drops in altitude on recent flights. In May 2021, Singapore Air Flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence as it entered Thai airspace and was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok while en route from London to Singapore.

The continent’s most turbulent flights are said to connect Santiago in Chile to Santa Cruz in Bolivia, with flights departing from Tokyo ranking high on the list of rough long-haul services. According to reports, the frequency of turbulence during flights is increasing, with some instances resulting in death or serious injury. For example, forty passengers were injured when an Air Europa flight traveling from Madrid to Montevideo in Uruguay encountered severe turbulence.

Turbli, a website that analyzes data from UK and US government meteorological agencies, determines that strong turbulence occurs when air streams of varying speeds converge often at jet stream boundaries over mountainous terrain or within certain types of cloud formations. The Santiago-Santa Cruz route experiences turbulence due to winds traveling from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean nearly perpendicular to the Andes. Additionally, the equator is known for being a region prone to turbulence. As a result of these factors, it is essential for airlines and passengers alike to be prepared for potential bumps and jolts during their travels.