Aeroplanes are experiencing more turbulence than they did in previous decades because of climate change, new research has shown. Clear-air turbulence, which can appear unexpectedly and in extreme cases damage aircraft and injure passengers, has been found to have increased in various regions across the world.
In the North Atlantic - one of the world's busiest routes - the total annual duration of severe turbulence increased by 55% from 17.7 hours in 1979 to 27.4 hours in 2020. Moderate turbulence increased by 37% from 70.0 to 96.1 hours, and light turbulence increased by 17% from 466.5 to 546.8 hours.
The researchers, from the University of Reading, said this was predicted to increase with climate change, but that their study provided strong evidence it was happening already. Warmer air from CO2 emissions is increasing wind shear in the jet streams - when the wind suddenly changes speed or direction in a small area. Scientists said clear-air turbulence was already costing airlines hundreds of millions a year, but more investment is needed to forecast and detect the invisible phenomenon.
