What Is the Argentine Flight Route That Was Named the Most Turbulent in the World?

An international survey by Turbli identified the Mendoza–Santiago route, linking Argentina and Chile, as the most turbulent air link in the world. The trip is short—about 196 kilometers and roughly 60 minutes—but the study found it has the highest instability rating globally. The analysis examined more than 10,000 flights across 550 airports worldwide. Turbli attributes the rough ride to crossing the Andes, where irregular air currents, strong winds, and abrupt pressure changes converge. Experts add that the interaction of cold and warm air masses can create persistent vertical movement, leading to frequent jolts in the cabin, though pilots and airlines say turbulence is normal and aircraft and crews follow specific protocols.