Severe turbulence on flights is set to TRIPLE by 2050 due to climate change

- Scientists have created a model based on predicted conditions from 2050-2080
- Turbulence rates on flights across Europe are set to worsen by 160 per cent
- And on flights over North America, turbulence will get 110 per cent worse
- In line with this increase in turbulence, the researchers estimate that the rate of injuries on flights will triple by 2050

By Shivali Best | Daily Mail | 4 October 2017

If you're a nervous flyer, this news may not come as any reassurance.

A new study has suggested that severe mid-flight turbulence on routes around the globe could triple by 2050 due to climate change.

The researchers hope their findings will influence better forecasting systems, helping cabin crew to keep passengers safe.

Researchers from the University of Reading have created a mathematical model to predict how clear-air turbulence - the most troublesome type - will be affected by global conditions from 2050-2080.

Their findings suggest that turbulence rates on flights across Europe are set to worsen by 160 per cent, while flights on some transatlantic routes could see turbulence increase by 180 per cent.

And in line with this increase in turbulence, the researchers estimate that the rate of injuries on flights will triple by 2050.

Professor Paul Williams, who led the study, said: 'Air turbulence is increasing across the globe, in all seasons and at multiple cruising altitudes.

'This problem is only going to worsen as the climate continues to change.

'Our study highlights the need to develop improved turbulence forecasts, which could reduce the risk of injuries to passengers and lower the cost of turbulence to airlines.'

In their study, the researchers focused on clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is invisible and can't be see on radars, and is strong enough to throw people and luggage around an aircraft cabin.

Mr Luke Storer, a PhD researcher who worked on the study, said: 'While turbulence does not usually pose a major danger to flights, it is responsible for hundreds of passenger injuries every year.

'It is also by far the most common cause of serious injuries to flight attendants.'

The team suggests that global warming is increasing CAT by strengthening wind instabilities at high altitudes, and by making pockets of rough air stronger and more frequent.

The researchers' model suggests that severe turbulence on routes over the North Pacific will increase by 90 per cent and that over North America turbulence will worsen by 110 per cent.

And in the southern hemisphere, severe turbulence is set to rise by 50 per cent over Australia and Africa, and 60 per cent over South America.

Dr Manoj Joshi, who also worked on the study, said: 'The study is another example of how the impacts of climate change can be felt through the circulation of the atmosphere, not just through increases in surface temperature itself.'