Turbulence Troubles: Climate Change Intensifies In-Flight Disruptions

According to a growing body of scientific evidence, climate change is making turbulence more common during flights. As of August 2025, this trend is set to worsen, posing risks to passengers and crew.

Turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight weather accidents, with 207 reported injuries on US commercial flights between 2009 and 2024. High-profile incidents, such as an Air Europa flight last year where 40 passengers were hurt, have thrust the issue into the spotlight. While modern aircraft can withstand turbulence, the main risk is occupant injury, not loss of the plane.

Researchers have found a clear, positive trend in turbulence frequency over many regions, including the North Atlantic, North America, East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. This increase, ranging from 60 to 155% since 1980, has been attributed to climate change. As the tropics warm faster at cruising altitude, it increases the temperature difference between higher and lower latitudes, driving up jet stream velocity and wind shear, which trigger the most dangerous type of turbulence: clear-air turbulence.

Experts warn that cutting greenhouse gas emissions will be essential to mitigate this growing aviation challenge. While airlines are exploring cleaner fuels, progress has been disappointingly slow. Strategies like optimizing flight routes and improving forecasting accuracy may also help, but addressing the root cause of climate change remains crucial.