Turbulence is a common experience during flights, and recent data from turbulence forecasting website Turbli sheds light on the flight routes that encountered the most turbulence in 2023. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon, its safety implications, and the top 10 turbulent flight routes:
Image source The Conversation
Turbulence occurs due to the chaotic movement of air caused by the shearing of winds or forced airflow over mountains. While severe turbulence is rare and potentially dangerous, light turbulence is more common and generally not a safety concern.
Clear air turbulence can be unpredictable, focusing on the importance of keeping seat belts fastened. Here are the most Turbulent flight routes:
The analysis, based on the "eddy dissipation rate", ranks the intensity of turbulence at various spots on flight routes. The world's most turbulent flight routes in 2023 include:
Santiago (SCL) - Santa Cruz (VVI)
Almaty (ALA) - Bishkek (FRU)
Lanzhou (LHW) - Chengdu (CTU)
Centrair (NGO) - Sendai (SDJ)
Milan (MXP) - Geneva (GVA)
Lanzhou (LHW) - Xianyang (XIY)
Osaka (KIX) - Sendai (SDJ)
Xianyang (XIY) - Chengdu (CTU)
Xianyang (XIY) - Chongqing (CKG)
Milan (MXP) - Zurich (ZR
Insights into Turbulent Routes:
The top route, Santiago to Santa Cruz, spans 1,900 kilometres between Chile and Bolivia
Short-haul flights dominate the list, with six of the top 10 routes being domestic flights in Japan and China.
The 5,223-kilometer journey from Tokyo to Kathmandu is identified as the world's most turbulent long-haul route.
Safety and Advice: While turbulence is a normal part of air travel, severe turbulence is rare, constituting less than one per cent of the atmosphere. Keeping seat belts fastened, especially during unexpected clear air turbulence, is crucial for passenger safety.
In summary, understanding the majority of turbulence on specific flight routes helps travellers anticipate and prepare for potential disruptions, contributing to a safer and more informed flying experience.