Climate change is intensifying airplane turbulence

In recent years, there has been an increase in sharp fluctuations in air currents during airplane flights, that is, turbulence. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

Experts emphasize that this situation is closely related to climate change, as the rise in global temperatures significantly affects winds and air movements in the atmosphere. Turbulence in the atmosphere is divided into three types: convective, which is related to clouds and thunderstorms; orographic, caused by air currents in mountainous areas; and clear air turbulence, which occurs due to fast-moving winds in the upper layers.

Clear air turbulence is considered the most dangerous because it is invisible and difficult to predict. According to Professor Paul Williams from the University of Reading in England, the number of severe turbulence incidents is expected to increase two to three times in the coming decades.

This change is particularly noticeable over the Atlantic Ocean routes, as well as in certain areas of Asia and North America. In the United States, since 2009, more than 200 serious injury cases have been recorded, most of which involve crew members.

In 2023, approximately 40 percent of serious passenger injuries globally were related to turbulence. Nevertheless, experts emphasize that the threat to flight safety is not that significant.

Modern airplane wings are highly flexible and can withstand strong vibrations. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the seatbelt fastened during the flight.

Today, the ability to predict turbulence has significantly improved with the help of technology and artificial intelligence. Airlines are planning routes taking into account turbulent areas before flights.

For example, Southwest Airlines in the U.S. is reducing the risk of injury by concluding in-flight service at higher altitudes. Additionally, new technologies, particularly real-time wing motion control systems based on artificial intelligence or the turbulence-reducing equipment developed by Turbulence Solutions for light aircraft, may be widely used in the near future.

This will further enhance the safety of flights