Air transport It remains one of the safest ways of traveling, with technological advances that have significantly reduced risks. However, a common phenomenon like Turbulences can even interrupt the quieter paths.
These variations in the air movement, although generally harmless, They generate discomfort in passengers and represent a challenge for flight safety and planning.
Recently, the Turbli specialized website published a detailed report on the most turbulent air routes of 2024, highlighting journeys both in the United States and in mountainous regions around the world. Through advanced measurement tools, the report offers a unique perspective on which factors contribute to the intensity of turbulence and how these conditions are evaluated.
How is turbulence measured?
To understand what makes a flight turbulent, it is essential to know the measurement systems used. In the US, air turbulence is measured using the swirl dissipation rate or EDR (for its acronym in English). This metric quantifies turbulent activity on a numerical scale, classifying it into 3 main levels:
* Light turbulence: 0 to 20.
* Moderate turbulence: 20 to 40.
* Severe or extreme turbulence: 40 to 100.
In Europe, the approach is similar, but uses the equivalent vertical gust derived (DEVG). Both scales allow to categorize air conditions and anticipate the impact it could have on passengers. This analysis is particularly useful in routes prone to turbulence, such as those that cross mountain regions with strong winds and ascending currents.
The most turbulent air routes in the US
In the US, rock mountains are an epicenter of turbulent activity due to their geography and the climatic conditions they generate. According to Turbli data, The most turbulent route on the continent in 2024 was the journey between Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ), and Denver, Colorado (DEN) with an average EDR score of 17,751. This short flight, 561 kilometers, illustrates how Denver’s closeness to the mountains creates challenging conditions for aircraft.
Denver airport is not only one of the most important in the region, but also the most turbulent in the entire country, with an average score of 17.29 on its flights. In fact, 4 of the 10 most turbulent routes include Denver as a starting point or destination. Among them stand out:
* Denver (DEN) – Jackson (JAC): 653 kilometers, EDR of 17,454.
* Denver (DEN) – Salt Lake City (SLC): 629 kilometers, EDR of 16,948.
* BOZEMAN (BZN) – Denver (DEN): 843 kilometers, EDR of 16,688.
Outside the rocky mountains, other routes also showed high levels of turbulence. The short flight between Ontario (ONT) and San Diego (San), Of just 150 kilometers, he obtained an EDR score of 16,439, evidencing that even short paths can present intense air movements. In addition, flights between Las Vegas (las) and Reno (RNO), as well as Salt Lake City (SLC), were also located in the top 10 with scores greater than 15,800.
The most turbulent routes in the world
Worldwide, lAs more turbulent routes are mainly in mountainous regions, where geography and climatic conditions generate intense air currents. Leading the global list, The journey between Mendoza, Argentina (MDZ), and Santiago, Chile (SCL), registered an EDR index of 24,684. This short flight, only 196 kilometers, crosses the Andes, one of the most imposing mountainous chains on the planet, known for its strong winds.
Other outstanding flights in this region include:
* Córdoba (Cor) – Santiago (SCL): EDR of 20,214.
* Mendoza (MDZ) – Salta (SLA): EDR of 19,825.
Mendoza and Santiago airports consolidated themselves as the most turbulent in the world in 2024, with 23,065 and 22,755 averages, respectively.
Outside South America, the Himalayas is also known for its challenging aerial conditions. The route between Katmandú (KTM) and Lhasa (LXA), in the Tibet, reached an index of 18,817, while the flight between Katmandu and unemployment (PBH), in Bután, registered 18,563. These routes cross elevated land and common ascending currents in mountainous areas.
In Europe, the most turbulent route was the connection between Nice, France, and Geneva, Switzerland, which crosses the Italian Alps and reached an EDR score of 16,065.
What to expect on your next flight?
Turbulence is a natural phenomenon that, although it generally does not represent a serious danger, can cause discomfort and minor risks. Experts recommend always following the safety slogans, such as keeping the belt fastened during the flight and correctly place the hand luggage.
Although most flights pass without significant incidents, identify the most turbulent routes in the world underlines the importance of being prepared to face the particularities of the air in constant movement. With advances in technology and planning, air trips remain a safe and reliable option, even in the most challenging skies.
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