Clear-air turbulence, difficult to detect and predict, is causing more incidents on commercial and private flights, according to pilots and aviation experts
On July 31, a Delta Air Lines flight had to make an emergency landing in Minneapolis after hitting “significant turbulence.” The incident led to 25 passengers being taken to hospitals for evaluation and care, NBC News reported. No serious injuries were reported among the 13 crew members and 275 passengers on the Airbus A330-900.
Research from the University of Reading shows clear-air turbulence, which is invisible and hazardous to aircraft, has increased in various regions around the world.
According to the study, “At a typical point over the North Atlantic, one of the world’s busiest flight routes, the total annual duration of severe turbulence increased by 55% from 17.7 hours in 1979 to 27.4 hours in 2020.”
Professor Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading who co-authored the study, said: “Following a decade of research showing how climate change will increase clear-air turbulence in the future, we now have evidence suggesting the increase has already begun.”
The aviation insurance products and services company Global Aerospace states, “Clear-air turbulence is a type of rough air particularly alarming to passengers and poses a significant injury risk. This invisible form is currently impossible to detect with onboard radar and difficult to forecast.”
Pilots’ views from turbulent skies
Anthony Giuffre, a private jet pilot, describes the core of clear-air turbulence: “It happens because of uneven heating of the Earth. Certain areas heat more than others, causing rising air and turbulence. So, it stands to reason that with higher temperatures, turbulence would increase.”
Erwin Escalante, a charter pilot with 20 years of experience, adds: “I have noticed more flights are experiencing problems related to them. I find out through pilot forums, where we share details about flight conditions, which helps us stay more alert.” He points out that “Clear-air turbulence is unpredictable: there is no way to detect it with current systems.”
As for how this complicates operations in the aviation industry, Giuffre says: “We must deviate, which means using more fuel and flying farther out of our way to reach our destinations safely. It complicates operations for us and for air traffic control.” Such situations force multiple planes into the same airspace, which can create congestion. Escalante warns: “These situations create financial losses for airlines because they can result in lawsuits.”
Global Aerospace draws the big picture: “Climate change is affecting air travel beyond the increased frequency and intensity of turbulence. Anyone who flies frequently is likely to experience more flight delays, rerouting, and other inconveniences due to severe weather flaring up along flight paths and near airports.”
Giuffre summarizes: “With a warming globe, it’s clear that air travel will face more complexities, such as larger clouds, more frequent thunderstorms, and clear-air turbulence. The conditions make it more challenging to get from point A to point B safely.”
How to navigate a warming aerospace
Escalante highlights, “You only know it’s coming once you’re already in it,” so taking precautions is the only way. “Strong turbulence won’t make the plane fall, but it can cause a passenger to hit the ceiling.”
He always flies with the full safety harness. “I don’t unbuckle from my seat.” He also recommends passengers remain seated and always buckled during the flight. “At the slightest sign of turbulence, today the seatbelt sign goes on immediately, and everyone must return to their seats.”
Global Aerospace foresees the present and the future with prudent optimism: “While air travel may be changing, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Severe turbulence causing injuries is still uncommon, and the aviation industry is continually evolving to improve safety and passenger comfort. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can all navigate the challenges of flying in a changing climate.”