Minor turbulence on flights is a common phenomenon, but severe air turbulence can be a harrowing experience. It can lead to injuries and even death. The entire world watched in horror, photos, and videos of traumatised passengers of the Singapore Airlines (Flight SQ321) in which one person died and 110 were injured after the aircraft experienced severe turbulence on May 21, 2024. The aircraft was cruising at 37,000 when suddenly it dropped down (descended) by nearly 6,000 feet in less than three minutes, sending the passengers and crew flying inside the plane, hitting the ceiling, trolleys, trays, and seats. The London-Singapore flight made an emergency landing in Bangkok.
Climate Change Crisis
While aviation experts have ordered a detailed probe into the Singapore Airlines turbulence incident, scientists from Reading University, UK claim that climate change has led to an increase in severe turbulence caused due to the clear-air turbulence (CAT) phenomenon in the past 40 years. The University of Reading study published in 2023 states: “We find clear evidence of large increases around the mid-latitudes at aircraft cruising altitudes.”
The researchers found maximum clear-air turbulence over the US, the North Atlantic, and other busy flight paths in the world. Professor Paul Williams, who teaches Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, UK issued a statement on Tuesday saying: “There was strong evidence that turbulence is increasing because of climate change.” The researchers claim that there will be an increase in CAT over the Indian airspace too in the next few decades.
Pilot Speak
Global warming has led to a rise in temperatures across the world. The hot air rises from the warm oceans and Earth’s surface and starts to cool and condense in the atmosphere to form clouds laden with water droplets and ice crystals.
“Cumulonimbus clouds have very strong upward and downward air drafts, which can cause deadly turbulence. They are laden with moisture, water, ice, and hail, depending on the geographical region. A pilot should avoid these clouds by at least 25 nautical miles,” explains a senior pilot of a leading Indian airline, who has been flying on international routes for over 20 years. These towering clouds have a lot of updrafts and downdrafts within the cloud. Soon after the Singapore Airlines natural catastrophe, famous Australian Bachelor star and heartthrob, Jimmy Nicholson, a Sydney-based pilot shared a video on his Instagram account revealing ‘the worst turbulence’ areas in the world. He called the Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 incident “Very sad and very rare event." The deadly turbulence of the Singapore Airlines flight from Heathrow to Singapore has put a spotlight on the world’s turbulent air routes. Asish (name changed), a former Mumbai-based pilot from the defunct Jet Airways, who now flies with a leading international airline says, “Turbulence is a sudden change of wind speed and direction. It can be due to climatic conditions, topographical conditions that one flies over associated with jet streams, high and low pressure, temperature, or various other reasons like WAKE of a bigger aircraft ahead at higher altitude.” Clear-air turbulence (aka CAT) is a sudden change in wind, speed, or direction, commonly also known as windshear when it happens closer to the ground. It often happens unexpectedly and without visual warning for pilots. “Then there is wake turbulence. Wing tip vortices of heavier aircraft cause a swirling pattern that flows downwards and outward and linger on after an aircraft has passed that position. If another aircraft were to fly through one of those vortices, it could create a great deal of turbulence,” explains the ex-Jet Airways pilot.
Nature’s Fury
Some severe turbulence can overpower the autopilot and can leave the aircraft uncontrollable. Jet streams are a band of high-velocity air currents that are constantly blowing in the Earth’s atmosphere. They rapidly change positions, and directions and vary in size. They were caused due to atmospheric heating and the spinning of the Earth around its axis (Coriolis Forces). One of the most turbulent air routes in the world is the Santiago (Chile) and Santa Cruz (Bolivia) stretch. Winds from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean blow almost perpendicular. There are strong upward winds along the equator too. Not to forget thunder. Due to global warming, the weather around the world has changed drastically. “Climate change is real. You rarely had rain in Dubai and the Gulf region. Today, you have thunderstorms and sandstorms in Dubai and the UAE. Flying an aircraft in such conditions is not easy. If you get into turbulence then you mitigate and recover,” says a pilot from Vistara on the condition of anonymity.
Severe turbulence can take a toll on aircraft. It can damage flight controls like flaps, ailerons, elevators, or the tail and lead to catastrophic events. Pilots use various methods to avoid turbulence. EWAS is an app that helps with weather reports and the SIGMET (Inflight Weather Advisories for Significant Meteorological Hazards) in that area. Many pilots assess these inputs and then plan on the flight path. “Sometimes, you may get information on the flying conditions from another aircraft ahead on that route and altitude. This is done over the radios in the form of a PIREP (Pilot Report) and the ATC then disseminates the information to other aircraft along the route,” explains Jitesh (name changed), first captain of a leading Indian airline.
As per data from the National Transportation Safety Board, crew members are most likely to suffer severe injuries during turbulence events, followed by passengers. Hence, for passengers, the best safety practice is to always fasten the seat belt throughout the flight. The crew is also advised to stow their carts and beverage pots to prevent damage from burns. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has also mentioned that the intensity of tropical storms is increasing due to climate change. Air turbulence can happen on any air route so always fasten your seat belt. Bon Voyage!
Mid-Air Terror
3 passengers were injured after Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner hit severe air turbulence between Amritsar and New Delhi in April 2018
22 passengers and crew were injured after a Singapore Airlines Airbus A-380 encountered turbulence while landing at Mumbai airport in October 2014
The most turbulent air route in the world is between Santiago (Chile) and Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
This (Singapore Airlines flight SQ321) incident is a very sad and very rare event.” — Jimmy Nicholson, Sydney-based pilot
Climate change is real. You rarely had rain in Dubai and the Gulf region. Today, you have thunderstorms and sandstorms in Dubai and the UAE.”— Pilot, Vistara Airlines
There was strong evidence that turbulence is increasing because of climate change.” — Paul Williams, Professor Atmospheric Science, Reading University, UK
