Turbulence Is Increasing: What Passengers Must Know for Summer Flights

Key Takeaways

• JetBlue A321neo and American Airlines faced severe turbulence in June 2025 causing injuries and emergency landings.
• Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is increasing due to climate change, with severe cases rising 55% since 1979.
• FAA recorded 163 serious turbulence injuries in the US from 2009 to 2022, mostly affecting cabin crew.

Turbulence is becoming a much bigger concern for air travelers in 2025, especially as the busy summer travel season begins. Recent incidents involving major airlines like JetBlue A321neo and American Airlines have put the spotlight on this growing problem. The increase in both the frequency and severity of turbulence, particularly clear-air turbulence (CAT), is linked to climate change and changing weather patterns. This trend has important consequences for passengers, airlines, and regulators alike.

What Happened: Recent Turbulence Incidents

In June 2025, several serious turbulence events made headlines. On June 19, a JetBlue A321neo flight (Flight B69) from JFK to Santo Domingo hit severe turbulence shortly after takeoff. Three passengers were hurt, including one with a head injury, and the plane had to return to JFK so those injured could get medical help. The aircraft, carrying 198 people, also suffered minor damage inside the cabin.

Just a few days later, on June 22, an American Airlines flight from Miami to Raleigh-Durham experienced turbulence that injured several people. Two other American Airlines flights—AA37 from Madrid to Dallas and AA2561 from Houston to Philadelphia—also reported severe turbulence in June. These incidents led to injuries among flight attendants and forced the planes to be grounded temporarily for safety checks.

These are not isolated events. In May 2024, a London–Singapore flight made global news after severe turbulence over Myanmar caused one death and sent dozens to the hospital. Days later, a Doha–Dublin flight had a similar event, with eight people hospitalized. These stories show that turbulence is not only more common but also more dangerous than before.

Why Is Turbulence Getting Worse?

The main reason turbulence is increasing is climate change. As the planet gets warmer, the structure of the atmosphere changes. This leads to stronger jet streams and more wind shear, both of which make turbulence more likely and more severe. Clear-air turbulence, which is the most dangerous type, is especially affected by these changes.

Clear-air turbulence happens without any visible warning. Unlike turbulence caused by storms or mountains, CAT cannot be seen on radar. It can strike suddenly, even when the sky looks clear. This makes it very risky for passengers and crew who are not wearing seatbelts.

According to studies, there has been a 15% rise in jet stream wind shear since 1979. Severe clear-air turbulence has gone up by 55% on major flight routes. If the current warming trend continues, pilots could face double or even triple the current levels of severe turbulence by 2050.

Where and When Is Turbulence Most Likely?

Some routes are more likely to experience turbulence than others. The North Atlantic, routes near mountains, and areas with strong jet streams are the most affected. Transatlantic and transpacific flights, as well as flights over mountain ranges, are especially at risk.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States 🇺🇸 has recorded 163 serious turbulence injuries from 2009 to 2022. Nearly 80% of these injuries happened to cabin crew. Out of about 800 million flights each year in the United States 🇺🇸, around 5,500 encounter severe turbulence.

How Are Airlines and Regulators Responding?

Airlines and aviation authorities are taking several steps to deal with the rise in turbulence:

• Enhanced Crew Training: Flight attendants and pilots are getting more training on how to handle turbulence and keep passengers safe.
• Better Forecasting Tools: Airlines are using improved weather models and real-time data to predict turbulence and adjust flight paths when possible.
• Stricter Seatbelt Policies: Pilots are keeping the seatbelt sign on for longer periods, especially on routes known for turbulence. They are also giving more frequent warnings to passengers.
• Post-Incident Inspections: After a turbulence event, the FAA often requires a full inspection of the aircraft. Sometimes, planes are grounded until they are cleared for safety.
• Passenger Communication: Airlines are working to keep passengers better informed about turbulence risks and what to do during an event.

What Should Passengers Do?

With turbulence on the rise, passengers need to take extra care when flying. Here are some practical steps to stay safe:

1. Always Wear Your Seatbelt:
Most injuries from turbulence happen to people who are not wearing their seatbelts or to crew members who are standing. Even if the seatbelt sign is off, experts recommend keeping your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated.

2. Expect More Turbulence:
If you are flying on transatlantic, transpacific, or mountain-adjacent routes, be prepared for more frequent and possibly severe turbulence. Airlines may change flight paths or altitudes to avoid known turbulence zones, but clear-air turbulence can still happen without warning.

3. Know What to Do If You Are Injured:
If you get hurt during turbulence, tell the flight crew right away and get medical help as soon as possible. Take photos of your injuries and the cabin if you can, and collect witness statements. Keep all medical records, as you may need them if you decide to file a compensation claim.

4. Be Ready for Delays and Disruptions:
Severe turbulence can lead to emergency landings, aircraft inspections, and flight delays. Airlines must provide updates and, in some cases, compensation for major disruptions. However, if the turbulence is considered an unavoidable weather event, compensation may not be required.

Passenger Rights and Compensation

If you are injured during a flight because of turbulence, you may wonder if you can get compensation. The answer depends on whether the airline was negligent. For example, if the crew did not warn passengers or failed to secure the cabin, the airline could be held responsible. But if the turbulence was truly unforeseeable and caused by weather, airlines are usually not liable.

Passengers must file claims quickly, as the time limit for making a claim varies by location. For example, in Kentucky, you have one year to file a claim, while in California, you have two years. Always check the rules for your state or country.

If you decide to file a claim, gather as much evidence as possible:

• Photos of injuries and cabin damage
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Copies of your boarding pass and flight details

You can report injuries and file claims through the airline’s official website or customer service line. For more information on your rights and how to report an incident, you can visit the FAA’s official turbulence information page.

The Role of Technology and Future Changes

Airlines and meteorological agencies are investing in new technology to help detect and avoid turbulence. Advanced sensors, better weather models, and real-time data sharing between aircraft are some of the tools being developed. However, clear-air turbulence remains a tough challenge because it is invisible and can happen without warning.

Regulators may also introduce stricter rules in the future. This could include mandatory seatbelt use for longer periods, more detailed crew training, and updated compensation policies for passengers. As turbulence risks grow, these changes are likely to become more common.

Expert Opinions and Stakeholder Perspectives

Aviation professionals have praised the way crews have handled recent turbulence events. Quick action by pilots and flight attendants has helped keep passengers safe and calm during emergencies.

Meteorologists and climate scientists warn that turbulence will keep getting worse as global temperatures rise. They urge airlines and regulators to keep investing in better forecasting tools and safety measures.

Legal experts point out that proving airline negligence in turbulence cases is difficult. Because clear-air turbulence is so unpredictable, it is hard to show that an airline failed in its duty of care. Still, airlines are considered “common carriers,” which means they have a high responsibility to keep passengers safe.

What Does This Mean for Immigrants and International Travelers?

For immigrants, students, and families who travel long distances, the rise in turbulence can be especially worrying. Many international flights cross the North Atlantic or other high-risk areas. This means travelers may face more frequent disruptions, delays, or even emergency landings.

If you are traveling for immigration purposes—such as attending a visa interview, moving to a new country, or visiting family—plan for possible delays. Always keep important documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on bag in case you need to leave the plane quickly.

If you are injured during a flight, follow these steps:

1. Report the injury to the crew immediately.
2. Get medical help as soon as possible.
3. Collect evidence and keep all records.
4. Contact the airline and file a claim quickly.
5. If needed, consult a lawyer who specializes in aviation law.

VisaVerge.com reports that turbulence is now a major factor for international travelers, and being prepared can help reduce stress and risk during your journey.

Airlines Most Affected: JetBlue A321neo and American Airlines

Recent events show that both JetBlue A321neo and American Airlines have faced serious turbulence incidents. These airlines, like many others, are updating their safety procedures and investing in new technology to protect passengers and crew.

• JetBlue A321neo: The June 19, 2025, incident highlights the risks even on short-haul flights. The quick response by the crew and the decision to return to JFK helped prevent more serious injuries.
• American Airlines: Multiple flights in June 2025 experienced turbulence, leading to injuries and temporary grounding of aircraft. The airline is reviewing its safety protocols and working with regulators to improve passenger safety.

Both airlines are reminding passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened at all times and to follow crew instructions during turbulence.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Here are some simple tips for all travelers:

• Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated, even if the sign is off.
• Listen to crew instructions and follow all safety announcements.
• Store heavy items in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
• Avoid standing or walking during turbulence.
• If you feel anxious, practice deep breathing or talk to a crew member for reassurance.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Air Travel and Turbulence

Experts agree that turbulence will continue to get worse in the coming years, especially on long-haul and high-altitude routes. Airlines and regulators are working hard to keep up with these changes, but passengers also need to take responsibility for their own safety.

As technology improves, we may see better turbulence detection and avoidance systems. However, clear-air turbulence will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future. Stricter seatbelt rules, more detailed crew training, and updated compensation policies are likely as the risks grow.

Resources for Passengers

If you want more information or need to report a turbulence incident, here are some helpful resources:

• FAA Turbulence Information: Visit the FAA’s turbulence page for official guidance and reporting tools.
• Airline Customer Service: Use your airline’s website or customer service line to report injuries or file claims.
• Legal Help: If you need to make a claim, consider speaking with a lawyer who knows aviation law.

Final Thoughts

Turbulence is no longer just a minor inconvenience—it is a growing safety concern for everyone who flies. Climate change is making turbulence more common and more severe, with clear-air turbulence posing the greatest risk. Passengers should always wear their seatbelts, expect more frequent disruptions, and know their rights in case of injury. Airlines like JetBlue A321neo and American Airlines are taking steps to improve safety, but the trend is expected to continue.

By staying informed and prepared, travelers can help protect themselves and make their journeys as safe as possible. For the latest updates and expert advice, keep an eye on official sources and trusted news outlets.

Learn Today

Clear-air turbulence → Sudden turbulence with no visible warning, occurring in clear skies, making it hard to predict and avoid.
Jet stream → Fast flowing air currents in the atmosphere influencing weather patterns and causing turbulence.
Wind shear → A sudden change in wind speed or direction that increases turbulence risk during flights.
Federal Aviation Administration → US government agency regulating and overseeing aviation safety and enforcement of flight standards.
Seatbelt sign → Indicator in aircraft cabins instructing passengers to fasten seatbelts for safety during turbulence.

This Article in a Nutshell

Turbulence is worsening due to climate change, impacting flights in 2025. JetBlue and American Airlines faced recent severe events. Clear-air turbulence poses high risks with sudden strikes. Airlines improve safety through training, forecasting, and stricter seatbelt policies, while passengers must stay vigilant, especially on high-risk routes.
— By VisaVerge.com