Flights are experiencing bumpier conditions, with severe clear-air turbulence increasing by 55 percent since 1979, according to new research. This rise in instability is linked to climate change, which is intensifying wind shear in the jet stream.
Instability-generating wind shear in the jet stream has increased by 15 percent since 1979. This phenomenon is particularly challenging for aviation because clear-air turbulence cannot be detected on weather radar. While severe clear-air turbulence is most noticeably increasing at cruising altitudes, not all turbulence is on the rise. Increased thunderstorm activity also contributes to turbulence.
Experts warn that global warming could lead to more frequent and intense clear-air turbulence on major flight routes, especially over the North Atlantic and North America, as global temperatures continue to climb.
Recent incidents highlight the impact of severe turbulence. On July 30, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight experienced an incident that resulted in 25 passenger injuries. Earlier this year, an easyJet flight had to declare an emergency and return to the UK due to serious turbulence. In May, a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong injured ten people when passengers and crew were thrown about the cabin.
Despite the increase, the aviation industry is adapting to mitigate the effects. Airlines are utilizing improved turbulence forecasting and electronic flight bags that provide pilots with live turbulence information. Pilots have more data available than in previous years, allowing for more informed decisions.
Pilots can adjust flight paths, change altitude, or reduce speed to the aircraft's turbulence penetration speed to create a smoother ride. Flying around thunderstorms, which contain severe turbulence, hail, and lightning, is standard practice. However, avoiding clear-air turbulence is more complex due to its invisible nature.
Certain regions are known for more significant turbulence, including the North Atlantic jet stream, the Himalayas, and the Andes. While the increase in turbulence is not considered a safety threat to modern aircraft, which are built to withstand strong forces, passengers are advised to remain respectful of the conditions.
The primary risk from turbulence stems from individuals not being restrained. Most serious injuries occur when passengers or crew are thrown around the cabin because they were not wearing seatbelts. Passengers are advised to keep seatbelts fastened whenever seated, even if the seatbelt sign is off. Choosing a seat over or just ahead of the wings can offer a smoother experience for those prone to motion sickness. Pilots can also alter routes or altitudes to find smoother air, and listening to cabin crew instructions is crucial, as they relay information from the flight deck.