Scientists warn airplane turbulence is getting much worse

An Avianca A320 headed for New York recently hit severe turbulence, descending about 25,000 feet within minutes. Nine people were affected, and the aircraft diverted to Miami, where eight were taken to hospital. The incident highlights a broader trend: clear-air turbulence is becoming more frequent as warmer air driven by carbon emissions strengthens vertical wind shear inside jet streams. University of Reading research found severe clear-air turbulence over the North Atlantic rose 55% from 1979 to 2020, with studies suggesting climate change was already making the problem worse. Several solutions are emerging, from wing “flaplets” to a turbulence-forecasting app using iPad sensor data. Airlines are also adjusting in-flight policies, while NASA has tested infrasound microphones for detection.