Traveling by air often means dealing with a bit of turbulence, but some routes are notoriously bumpier than others.
A recent study has revealed the most turbulent flight paths across the globe, with South America taking the lead for the most nerve-wracking routes.
So, if you’re planning a trip in 2024, be sure to check your route’s turbulence forecast before takeoff.
South America Leads the Pack for Turbulence
According to Turbli.com, a website that tracks turbulence forecasts, South America dominates the list of the world’s most turbulent flight routes.
The 121-mile journey between Mendoza International Airport in Argentina and Santiago, Chile, is the most turbulent route globally, with a turbulence intensity measure (known as Eddy Dissipation Rate or EDR) of 24.6, which falls into the “moderate turbulence” category.
Other notable turbulent routes in Argentina include flights from Cordoba to Santiago and Mendoza to Salta.
High-Intensity Turbulence in Asia and Beyond
While South America ranks the highest, other parts of the world aren’t free from bumpy skies.
The route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Lhasa, Tibet, comes in at fifth place globally, with a lower, but still notable, EDR of 18.8.
Meanwhile, in China, the routes from Chengdu to Lhasa and Chengdu to Xining also make the list, both with severe turbulence ratings.
Turbulence in North America and Europe
North America sees some turbulent skies as well, with flights from Albuquerque to Denver and Denver to Jackson Hole being the worst offenders in the United States.
These routes have average EDR values of 17.7 and 17.4, respectively.
Europe, known for its compact travel routes, has some shaky paths too, with Nice to Geneva and Nice to Zurich topping the list.
Oceania’s Bumpy Skies
In Oceania, it’s New Zealand that sees the most turbulence, with the route from Christchurch to Wellington being the most turbulent, although its EDR of 14 signifies only light turbulence.
The Brisbane to Sydney route follows closely behind, also marked by moderate turbulence.
The World’s Rockiest Airports
If you think flying into turbulent airspace is the only concern, think again.
Certain airports have higher turbulence levels on average, with Santiago and Mendoza leading the way.
Denver, in the United States, tops the North American list for turbulent airports, while Turin in Italy is the most turbulent in Europe.
The Rising Frequency of Turbulence
The study also underscores a troubling trend: turbulence is becoming more frequent and intense.
Scientists have linked this increase to global warming, and studies from the University of Reading show that severe turbulence has risen by 55% since 1979.
With air travel steadily increasing, passengers might need to prepare for bumpier skies in the years to come.
Can Turbulence Really Affect Your Safety?
While turbulence can be unsettling, experts assure passengers that it’s very unlikely to lead to a crash.
A seasoned Dreamliner pilot explains that while turbulence can be uncomfortable, modern aircraft are built to withstand such stresses.
Pilots have several ways to minimize discomfort during turbulent flights, such as adjusting altitude or speed, though safety remains the top priority.
What to Expect from Your Flight
Despite the potential discomfort, it’s essential to remember that turbulence is a normal part of flying.
Aircraft are designed to handle far greater forces than turbulence generates, so while your flight may feel rocky, rest assured that your plane is safe.
Pilots are well-trained to manage turbulence, ensuring that your journey remains as smooth as possible.
So, if you’re flying on one of the most turbulent routes in 2024, don’t panic—understanding the science behind turbulence and trusting the crew will go a long way toward easing your mind during those bumpy moments.