“Climate Change and Turbulence: What’s Behind the Recent Aviation Incidents?”

The recent severe turbulence experienced by Singapore Airlines on the London-Singapore flight route has sparked global concern after resulting in the death of one passenger and several injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and has raised questions about the role of climate change in the increasing frequency of turbulence during flights.

According to reports, the flight from London to Singapore encountered an air pocket while cabin crew were serving breakfast, leading to sudden turbulence. The plane was flying at an altitude of 37,000 feet above the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar when the turbulence hit, prompting the pilots to request an emergency landing.

Passenger Andrew Davis, who was on the flight from England, described the terrifying experience of objects flying through the cabin and passengers being thrown into the ceiling. The turbulence was so severe that it caused injuries to several passengers and tragically resulted in the death of a 73-year-old man from England due to a heart attack.

Turbulence is a phenomenon caused by irregular air movements that can lead to sudden changes in the aircraft’s altitude and orientation. Factors such as air flow from mountains, clouds, and bad weather can contribute to turbulence during flights.

In the case of Singapore Airlines, the extreme turbulence caused the plane to descend rapidly, dropping 31,000 feet in a matter of seconds. This type of turbulence, known as clear air turbulence, is particularly challenging for pilots to detect and navigate through.

Recent incidents of severe turbulence, including the one experienced by Qatar Airways on a flight from Doha to Dublin, Ireland, have raised concerns about the safety of air travel. Aviation accidents related to turbulence are among the most common types of incidents reported, according to a study by the United States National Transportation Safety Council.

Experts suggest that the increase in turbulence incidents may be linked to climate change, with warmer air temperatures leading to changes in wind patterns and increased turbulence. The United Nations climate agency, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has reported strong evidence that climate change is intensifying tropical storms and contributing to more severe turbulence during flights.

As investigators analyze data from the recent turbulence incidents, the findings are expected to contribute to scientific research on turbulence prediction and safety measures for air travel. The aviation industry continues to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing risks of turbulence during flights.