55% Increase in Air Turbulence: Causes and Impacts

Air turbulence is becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, affecting atmospheric currents and weather conditions, according to a BBC report. Pilots face increased challenges, while passengers may experience injuries.

Rising temperatures are altering wind patterns, intensifying storms and clear-air turbulence, which is unpredictable. Andrew Davies described his experience on a flight to New Zealand in 2024 as being “like a rollercoaster” due to sudden turbulence.

Research shows a 55% increase in severe turbulence over the North Atlantic in the last four decades. Similar increases are expected in East Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. An estimated 5,000 severe turbulence incidents occur annually worldwide.

Causes include storms, mountainous terrain, and clear-air currents. Clear-air turbulence is particularly dangerous due to its difficulty in detection. Pilot Nathan Davies has observed an increase in the number and size of storms.

Turbulence increases costs for airlines, with estimated losses of £1.5 million per company annually. Passenger anxiety is rising, with one in five adults in the UK fearing flying.

Technologies such as weather radar and forecasting models help in detecting and avoiding turbulence. New solutions are also being developed, such as hinged aircraft wings and flap systems that react to turbulence. Artificial intelligence (FALCON) is being researched to predict and automatically adjust the wings.

Despite the challenges, pilots assure that turbulence rarely poses a serious risk.