It’s dreaded by even the most frequent flyers: the seat belt sign constantly dinging, belongings sliding across the cabin floor and seats shuddering through rough air.And if you’ve noticed flights getting bumpier over the past few years, the data suggests you’re right. New research by the University of Reading has found that instability-generating wind shear in the jet stream has soared by 15 per cent since 1979.Similarly, severe clear-air turbulence (CAT) on busy flight routes has also risen by 55 per cent. In fact, Delta Air Lines is being taken to court by a group of passengers after a severe turbulence incident on July 30, 2025 left 25 people injured. Meanwhile, on an easyJet flight earlier this year, the pilot was forced to declare an emergency and return the aircraft to the UK after facing a bout of serious turbulence.In another incident, ten people were injured on a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong in May after turbulence hurtled passengers and cabin crew into the ceiling of the plane.But what is causing this rapid rise in rough and choppy journeys? Research has found that severe clear-air turbulence on busy flight routes has risen by 55 per cent since 1979 In May of this year, ten people were injured on a Cathay Pacific flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong that suffered serious turbulence (pictured)Former airline captain Emma Henderson tells the Daily Mail: ‘Whether we like it or not, the main reason is climate change.’She explains how, as the atmosphere warms, jet streams can be strengthened in some regions due to differences in temperature between air masses. ‘Stronger wind shear within and around the jet stream creates more clear-air turbulence, which is particularly challenging because it cannot be seen on weather radar,’ the pilot, who is now a professional public speaker, explains. Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is increasing ‘most noticeably’ at cruising altitude, but, she notes, ‘not all turbulence is increasing’.’We have also seen an increase in thunderstorm activity in the UK recently and that brings with it a risk of more turbulence too,’ Ms Henderson adds. Turbulence could ‘potentially’ become more common in the future as global warming continues. ‘Climate models suggest that if global temperatures continue to rise, clear-air turbulence could become more frequent and more intense on some major flight routes, particularly across the North Atlantic and North America,’ the captain explains. But it doesn’t mean you will have to prepare for a bumpy flight every time you jet off on holiday – the aviation industry is adapting. Former airline captain Emma Henderson explains why severe turbulence seems to be increasing, and how the aviation industry is adapting The worst regions for turbulence, according to a former airline captain… The North Atlantic jet stream, particularly in winterThe Rocky Mountains, where mountain waves can be significantThe AndesThe HimalayasJapan and East Asia during strong jet stream activityEquatorial regions where powerful thunderstorms developParts of central Africa during the rainy season <!- – ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/travel/none/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_1 – ->
From improved turbulence forecasting to electronic flight bags that display live turbulence information for pilots, there are many ways airlines are utilising technology to help make journeys smoother. Ms Henderson, who has decades of flying experience under her belt, explains: ‘Pilots today have much more information than we did even 15 years ago.’Even simple changes like ‘more proactive seat belt policies’ and ensuring cabin crew are ‘often being seated earlier when turbulence is expected’ help to make flights smoother and safer. How the pilot actually flies the plane can also affect how much impact the aircraft might experience. Things like changing the altitude or even slightly altering the route can create a more pleasant journey.’Sometimes climbing or descending just 2,000 feet finds much smoother air,’ Ms Henderson says.The former captain explains how pilots can also ‘reduce speed to the aircraft’s turbulence penetration speed, which reduces structural loads and often makes the ride feel less abrupt.’When it is possible to do so, simply flying around the turbulence is another solution. Changes like ‘more proactive seat belt policies’ and better technology to forecast turbulence are helping airlines tackle this growing problem’Thunderstorms are normally avoided completely because they contain severe turbulence, hail, lightning and strong vertical air currents,’ Ms Henderson says. ‘Pilots will happily deviate many miles around them.’CAT, however, is more difficult to avoid ‘because you can’t see it’. There are several regions that can be particularly bad for turbulence, including the North Atlantic jet stream, the Himalayas and the Andes, according to Ms Henderson. She says passengers shouldn’t be concerned about the rise in turbulence, but warns people to be ‘respectful’.’The biggest risk from turbulence isn’t the aircraft. It’s people inside the cabin who aren’t restrained,’ Ms Henderson emphasises.She adds: ‘Almost all serious turbulence injuries involve passengers or crew being thrown against the cabin because they weren’t strapped in.’Modern planes are equipped to deal with stronger forces than typical turbulence, and pilots are as keen as passengers to avoid a bumpy ride. Overall, the pilot insists that turbulence is simply ‘uncomfortable’ rather than ‘unsafe’. How can passengers reduce the effects they may feel from turbulence? Henderson says:Keep your seat belt loosely fastened whenever you’re seated, even if the sign is offChoose a seat over or just ahead of the wings if you’re particularly nervous, as this is usually the smoothest part of the aircraftAvoid excessive alcohol if you’re prone to motion sicknessStay hydratedLook outside rather than focusing on objects moving around inside the cabinRemember that turbulence feels dramatic because you’re inside a large, enclosed space, but aircraft are designed to flex. That movement is a sign they’re doing exactly what they’re designed to doListen to the cabin crew. They are responding to information from the flight deck, not simply reacting to how the cabin feels