The Most Turbulent Flight Routes of 2024 Revealed: Climate Change and Challenging Terrains Highlighted

Flight-Turbulence

The Most Turbulent Flight Routes of 2024 Revealed: Climate Change and Challenging Terrains Highlighted

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Data from turbulence tracker site Turbli.com, which analyzed over 10,000 routes across 550 major airports, has unveiled the most turbulent flight paths for 2024. These routes highlight the impact of wind shear and climate conditions, factors that significantly influence air travel experiences.

Understanding Turbulence

Turbulence results from wind shear—variations in wind speed and direction over short distances in the atmosphere. Aircraft encountering these intense air currents experience jerks and jolts, creating discomfort for passengers. While commercial planes fly at high altitudes to minimize turbulence, certain routes remain prone due to geographic and climatic conditions.

Top 10 Most Turbulent Flight Routes of 2024

  1. Mendoza to Santiago (Argentina to Chile) – 196 km
    • Traversing the Andes Mountains, this route records the highest turbulence level at 24.684 edr, driven by the region’s towering peaks and erratic weather patterns.
  2. Cordoba to Santiago (Argentina to Chile) – 660 km
    • Another Andes-crossing route, this flight averages 20.214 edr, making it one of the world’s most turbulent paths.
  3. Mendoza to Salta (Argentina) – 940 km
    • Known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable winds, this route averages 19.825 edr, ranking high in turbulence in South America.
  4. Kathmandu to Lhasa (Nepal to Tibet) – 571 km
    • Navigating the Himalayas, this flight experiences turbulence caused by towering peaks and volatile weather, with an average of 18.817 edr.
  5. Chengdu to Lhasa (China) – 1,265 km
    • High-altitude air currents and the Tibetan Plateau contribute to this route’s turbulence level of 18.644 edr.
  6. Santa Cruz to Santiago (Bolivia to Chile) – 1,905 km
    • The Andes’ influence on air currents results in turbulence averaging 18.598 edr on this lengthy journey.
  7. Kathmandu to Paro (Nepal to Bhutan) – 402 km
    • Over rugged mountain terrain, this route experiences turbulence at an average level of 18.563 edr.
  8. Christchurch to Wellington (New Zealand) – 304 km
    • Crossing the Cook Strait, strong winds elevate turbulence to an average of 14.46 edr, making it a challenging flight in Oceania.
  9. Durban to Johannesburg (South Africa) – 478 km
    • In Africa, this route records turbulence at 15.064 edr, highlighting the influence of shifting air patterns.
  10. Nice to Geneva (France to Switzerland) – 299 km
  • Traversing the Alps, this route averages 16.065 edr, with inclement weather adding to the turbulence.

Impact of Climate Change

Experts note that climate change may exacerbate turbulence by intensifying wind shear and altering atmospheric conditions. As air travel adapts to these challenges, understanding the turbulence levels of key routes becomes crucial for passenger preparedness and safety.

For more insights, visit Turbli.com to explore turbulence levels and prepare for smoother travel experiences.

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