Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Study Reveals World's Busiest Flight Paths: Turbulence Risks Rise
Imagine the air like a river.
Sometimes, things like mountains or storms cause the air to get bumpy, making planes shake a lot, this is turbulence.
A recent flight experienced very bad turbulence, like an earthquake.
The bumpiest flight route is between Argentina and Chile, crossing mountains.
Turbulence can be caused by different things like mountains, jet streams, or thunderstorms.
Scientists are concerned because turbulence incidents seem to be increasing, possibly because of climate change, which may create more severe storms.
Invisible turbulence can occur in clear skies, making it hard for pilots to avoid.
A recent Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced severe turbulence, leading to an emergency landing and injuries.
Turbli's analysis identified the Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile, route as the world's most turbulent.
Turbulence is caused by disruptions in air currents, with mountains, thunderstorms, and wind shifts contributing factors.
US data shows turbulence caused over 200 serious injuries from 2009-2024; experts link the rising frequency to climate change.
Clear-air turbulence, which is often invisible, is linked to jet streams and is becoming more frequent.
- Who
- Passengers and crew on affected flights.
- What
- Turbulence on flight paths.
- When
- Incidents from 2009 to 2024.
- Where
- Globally, including routes over the Andes, Rocky Mountains, and the Alps.
- Why
- Turbulence is caused by air currents being disrupted by factors such as mountains and jet streams; experts link increased incidents to climate change.
Safety Concerns
Scientific Uncertainty
Climate Change Impact
Safety Concerns
Increased turbulence incidents are linked to climate change.
Scientific Uncertainty
Further study is needed to determine the precise correlation between climate change and turbulence incidents.
- Most Turbulent Route
- Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile
- Injuries (2009-2024)
- Over 200 serious injuries in US due to turbulence
- Source of Data
- US National Transportation Safety Board
- Turbulence Causes
- Mountains, thunderstorms, and wind shifts
- Clear-air Turbulence
- Often occurs near jet streams