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From Milan-Geneva To Chile-Bolivia, The World’s Most Turbulent Flight Paths Revealed; List Inside

Air turbulence can be caused by two main factors: air masses and geographical features.

by Nikitha Sebastian
From Milan-Geneva To Chile-Bolivia, The World’s Most Turbulent Flight Paths Revealed; List Inside

Planning a trip? If smooth skies are a priority, you might want to check the route twice. A turbulence forecast website has analysed flight data from 2023 to identify the world’s most turbulent flight paths.

The World’s Most Turbulent Flights Revealed

Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)

Air turbulence can be caused by two main factors: air masses and geographical features. Uneven heating by the sun creates rising hot air pockets (thermals) that disrupt smooth airflow. High-altitude jet streams can cause wind shear, where wind speed or direction changes abruptly, tossing aeroplanes around. Additionally, clear-air turbulence, often linked to jet streams, is difficult to predict with radar and can occur in seemingly clear skies. On the other hand, geographical features like mountains force air upwards creating turbulence, and uneven terrain creates friction with the air, especially at lower altitudes, leading to bumpy rides.

The number one spot goes to the relatively short flight between Santiago, Chile (SCL) and Santa Cruz, Bolivia (VVI). This 1,180-mile route traverses the Andes mountains, a region notorious for air instability. Passengers can expect an average “eddy dissipation rate” (EDR) of 17.5. EDR is a measurement used to gauge turbulence intensity, with a scale ranging from 0 to 100. So, while not bone-jarring, you can expect a good amount of bouncing on this South American hop.

Also Read: What Happened On The London-Singapore Flight That Led To The Death Of A Passenger? Here’s What The Airlines Said

Full List Revealed

Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)

Following closely behind is the trip between Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA) and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (FRU). This Central Asian route also contends with mountainous terrain, potentially causing a bumpy ride.

Here’s the list of the world’s most turbulent flight paths:

  • Santiago (SCL) – Santa Cruz (VVI)
  • Almaty (ALA) – Bishkek (FRU)
  • Osaka (KIX) – Sendai (SDJ)
  • Lanzhou (LHW) – Chengdu (CTU)
  • Centrair (NGO) – Sendai (SDJ)
  • Milan (MXP) – Geneva (GVA)
  • Lanzhou (LHW) – Xianyang (XIY)
  • Xianyang (XIY) – Chengdu (CTU)
  • Xianyang (XIY) – Chongqing (CKG)
  • Milan (MXP) – Zurich (ZRH)

Also Read: Saudia Airlines Launches Direct Flight Between Riyadh And Malaga In Spain! Details Here

So, next time you book a flight, consider checking the route’s turbulence history. While a little bumpiness is unlikely to derail your trip, being prepared can certainly ease any anxieties and make for a more comfortable journey.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)

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