Airplane Turbulence: What Causes It?

"Buckle up, we're entering turbulence." Seasoned travelers know that these words often herald some bumps in the road. But what exactly is turbulence, and more importantly, should you be worried?

• Also read: Global warming: increase in turbulence in airplanes

What is turbulence?

Turbulence is a disturbance caused by various forces, such as gusts of wind or heat, that cause unsteady motion.

Both aircraft and watercraft can experience turbulence when operating in the air or on water.

According to the educational organization Let's Talk Science, there are four types of turbulence:

1. Thermal turbulence, caused by the movements of warm air rising and cold air sinking;
2. Mechanical turbulence, which occurs when natural (such as mountains) or human-made (such as tall buildings) objects on the Earth's surface deflect airflow;
3. Wake turbulence caused by the passage of other aircraft, similar to the waves caused by the passage of a boat on water;
4. Clear air turbulence – without clouds – that occurs due to wind shear, that is, when two air masses moving at different speeds collide, causing vortices.

What causes them?

Thus, turbulence can be caused by a battery of conditions, some of which are easier to predict than others.

For example, air traffic controllers monitor atmospheric and weather conditions, as well as air traffic, to inform pilots of the best flight path. This is why, for example, you'll never see two planes flying in a line, according to Let's Talk Science.

Except that some turbulences, such as those in clear air, are particularly unpredictable and are destined to occur more and more regularly due to the climate changes that affect them.

Already, between 1979 and 2020, severe turbulence in the North Atlantic – one of the busiest air routes – jumped by 55%, while light turbulence increased by 17%, according to a study by the University of Reading reported by the 24 hours .

How dangerous is turbulence?

Turbulence tends to be uncomfortable, but very rarely causes fatalities, especially since modern aircraft are designed to withstand a load 1.5 times the weight they carry, according to Let's Talk Science.

Each year, only a handful of people out of millions of travelers suffer serious injuries due to turbulence, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States counted only 207 between 2009 and 2024.

And in the majority of cases, these injuries involve a passenger who was not buckled up or an object that was improperly stowed during the shaking.

Last year, only three passengers and 20 crew members were reportedly injured in the air due to turbulence, according to NTSB data.

Turbulence also increases aircraft wear, meaning airlines will have to be more vigilant and increase quality checks to ensure the condition of their aircraft.

How to avoid injuries

Turbulence tends to be worse at the rear of the aircraft than at the wings or front, according to National Geographic, which suggests sitting as far forward as possible if this is a concern.

In the meantime, to avoid injuries, it is recommended:

• To keep your seat belt fastened at all times when you are seated, even if the illuminated symbol indicates that it is possible to unfasten it;
• To listen to the instructions of the pilot and flight attendants;
• To read and listen to the safety presentation at the start of the flight;
• Keep your bags under the seat in front of you.