- Routes crossing mountain ranges like the Andes and Himalayas top 2024 turbulence list.
- Rising global temperatures drive stronger winds and “clear air” turbulence.
- Passengers heading to these regions should keep seatbelts fastened.
Turbulence is increasingly common and never fun. Tracker site Turbli has just revealed the world’s most turbulent flight routes so you don’t have to find out firsthand. It turns out that mountain winds and powerful jet streams are the ultimate recipe for an unsettling ride…
2024’s Bumpiest Flights
Sourcing its data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the UK Met Office, Turbli has revealed that several routes crossing the Andes in South America and the Himalayas in Asia ranked among the most turbulence-prone in 2024.
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The study analysed 10,000 routes connecting 550 of the largest airports, finding the short 196-kilometre (122-mile) hop between Mendoza (MDZ) and Santiago (SCL) to be the bumpiest trip of them all.
That ride is quick, but it comes with plenty of unsolicited thrills. You’ll start in Mendoza’s picturesque wine region, renowned for olive oil, mountaineering, and horse riding, before crossing the Andes to land in Santiago, a historic city surrounded by snowy peaks and the Chilean Coastal Range.
Gorgeous views aside, it’s the towering mountains that generate powerful winds and rapid weather changes, giving even the most seasoned traveller a rocky welcome.
With the Himalayas appearing more than once in the top 10 as well, it’s clear that dramatic terrain and turbulent skies go hand in hand.
Why It’s Rockier Than Ever
If you follow any kind of climate news, you won’t be all that surprised to hear that 2024 officially clocked in as the hottest year on record and saw a drastically increased likelihood of extreme weather events, like the devastating LA wildfires.
Rising temperatures could also boost the risk of severe “clear air” turbulence, largely invisible on flight radars and hits without warning.
While some experts predict a gradual increase in these gut-churning jolts, they’re quick to reassure that flying remains a statistically safe way to travel… for now.
So if you’re heading to Mendoza for a glass of Malbec or sprinting off to Santiago for a city getaway, consider keeping that seatbelt snug. The scenery — both on the ground and from 30,000 feet — is well worth the occasional shake, rattle, and roll.
