Flights are becoming bumpier, with data showing a 55% increase in severe clear-air turbulence (CAT) on busy flight routes since 1979. Research from the University of Reading found that instability-generating wind shear in the jet stream has also climbed by 15% over the same period. This trend has led to several incidents, including a July 30, 2025, Delta Air Lines flight where 25 passengers were injured, and an earlier easyJet flight that had to return to the UK due to severe turbulence. In May, a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong experienced turbulence that hurled passengers and crew into the cabin ceiling, injuring ten people.
Former airline captain Emma Henderson attributes the rise in severe turbulence primarily to climate change. As the atmosphere warms, temperature differences between air masses can strengthen jet streams. "Stronger wind shear within and around the jet stream creates more clear-air turbulence," Henderson explained. "This is particularly challenging because it cannot be seen on weather radar." While CAT is increasing most noticeably at cruising altitudes, not all turbulence is on the rise. Henderson also noted an increase in thunderstorm activity, which can also bring more turbulence.
Climate models suggest that continued global warming could lead to more frequent and intense clear-air turbulence on major flight paths, particularly over the North Atlantic and North America. However, the aviation industry is adapting to mitigate the effects. Improvements in turbulence forecasting and the use of electronic flight bags that provide pilots with real-time turbulence information are helping to make journeys smoother. Airlines are also implementing operational adjustments, such as more proactive seat belt policies and ensuring cabin crew are seated earlier when turbulence is anticipated.
Pilots can also take steps to improve passenger comfort and aircraft safety. These include changing altitude, sometimes by as little as 2,000 feet, to find smoother air, or reducing speed to the aircraft's turbulence penetration speed. Flying around turbulence, especially thunderstorms which contain severe turbulence, hail, and lightning, is also a common practice. CAT, however, is more difficult to avoid due to its invisible nature.
Certain regions are more prone to turbulence. According to Henderson, these include the North Atlantic jet stream, the Rocky Mountains, the Andes, the Himalayas, Japan and East Asia during strong jet stream activity, equatorial regions with thunderstorms, and parts of central Africa during the rainy season.
While passengers should not be overly concerned, Henderson advises respect for the conditions. The primary risk from turbulence arises not from the aircraft's structural integrity, but from occupants not being properly restrained. "Almost all serious turbulence injuries involve passengers or crew being thrown against the cabin because they weren’t strapped in," she emphasized. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand forces greater than typical turbulence, and pilots prioritize avoiding rough air. Overall, turbulence is described as uncomfortable rather than unsafe.
To reduce the effects of turbulence, passengers are advised to keep their seat belts loosely fastened whenever seated, even if the sign is off. Choosing a seat over or just ahead of the wings may offer a smoother ride. Avoiding excessive alcohol can help those prone to motion sickness, and looking outside rather than at moving objects inside the cabin can also be beneficial. Aircraft are designed to flex, and the perceived dramatic movement is a sign of their engineering. Following instructions from the cabin crew, who receive information from the flight deck, is also crucial.