On Tuesday, a Singapore Airlines flight over the Indian Ocean encountered severe turbulence, causing it to rapidly descend 1,800 meters within a span of three minutes. Tragically, a 73-year-old British passenger succumbed to his injuries as a result of the severe shaking experienced by the Boeing 777 aircraft.
Turbulence, a common phenomenon in air travel, is characterized by unstable air movements that can manifest in various forms. Clear-air turbulence, which occurs without any visible warning, is particularly hazardous due to its unpredictability.
Wind shear, where two large air masses move at significantly different speeds, often near high-altitude jet streams, is a primary cause of turbulence. This wind shear creates chaotic air patterns, similar to eddies in water, leading to turbulent conditions.
While turbulence is a common occurrence, its severity can vary greatly. According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), over a third of airline incidents in the United States from 2009 to 2018 were attributed to turbulence, resulting in serious injuries but typically no aircraft damage. From 2009 to 2022, 163 people sustained severe injuries during turbulence events, necessitating hospital treatment for at least two days. Flight attendants, who are more vulnerable due to their frequent movement during flights, account for the majority of these injuries.
Fatalities due to turbulence are extremely rare, especially in large transport aircraft. However, the recent Singapore Airlines tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with severe turbulence and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during flights.
The Turbli website, leveraging data from UK and US government meteorological agencies, has analyzed 1,50,000 routes to identify the top ten routes with the highest average turbulence.
Top 10 Routes with the Highest Average Turbulence:
1. Santiago – Santa Cruz
2. Almaty – Bishkek
3. Lanzhou – Chengdu
4. Centrair – Sendai
5. Milan – Geneva
6. Lanzhou – Xianyang
7. Osaka – Sendai
8. Xianyang – Chengdu
9. Xianyang – Chongqing
10. Milan – Zurich
By understanding the nature of in-flight turbulence and adhering to safety guidelines during flights, passengers can minimize the risks associated with this common phenomenon and travel with greater peace of mind.
