Turbulence terror: Climate change behind increasing mid-air scares

A recent Indigo flight from Delhi to Srinagar became the latest example of a growing aviation threat—severe turbulence linked to climate change. The aircraft, carrying 277 passengers, was violently shaken by extreme turbulence and hail, prompting a swift emergency landing in Srinagar. Thankfully, all passengers escaped unharmed, but visuals from the cabin have sparked widespread fear and renewed questions about air safety.

Also Read: Singapore Airlines turbulence case: Did flight hit Intertropical Convergence Zone?

Experts say the skies are indeed getting bumpier, and not just during storms. The real concern is clear-air turbulence (CAT)—a dangerous and invisible form of turbulence that strikes without warning. Unlike traditional turbulence caused by storms, CAT occurs in cloudless skies and cannot be detected by radar.

The root cause? Climate change. As global temperatures rise, they disrupt atmospheric balance, intensifying wind shear and strengthening jet streams at high altitudes. This, in turn, creates unstable air pockets that cause unexpected jolts during flight. A 2023 University of Reading study highlighted a 55% increase in severe CAT over the North Atlantic between 1979 and 2020.

Pilots and airlines are now grappling with this silent threat, which is harder to predict and more frequent. As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns, passengers may have to brace for more frequent turbulence in the years ahead.