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Aviation officials from Asia are advocating for global action to minimize injuries caused by turbulence, with recent incidents prompting calls for improved forecasting at an international gathering of regulators in Montreal.
While turbulence may not result in many fatalities, it is the primary cause of accidents, as per data from the U.N.’s aviation agency. Experts warn that severe weather patterns due to climate change could escalate the number of incidents.
This issue is among many being addressed by global regulators at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s air navigation conference, ongoing until September 6.
Concerns about turbulence heightened after a Singapore Airlines flight encountered a severe incident in May, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
Countries like Japan, Korea, and Singapore are advocating for turbulence to be included as a category in ICAO’s 2026 Global Aviation Safety Plan. They are pushing for improved real-time coordination of weather and turbulence data sharing across borders to enhance alerts for pilots.
Turbulence was responsible for approximately 40% of all accidents involving large aircraft in scheduled commercial operations last year, according to ICAO’s 2024 Annual Safety Report.
While not currently mandatory in Japan, carrier All Nippon Airways voluntarily shows a safety video before and during flights to prevent turbulence-related accidents.
Korean Air recently announced that it would no longer serve instant cup noodles on its long-haul flights in response to increased turbulence incidents.
Analysis: The push for global action to reduce turbulence-related injuries in the aviation industry is gaining momentum. Improved forecasting and data sharing across borders are key steps in enhancing safety for passengers and crew. Passengers can expect to see changes in safety protocols and services provided by airlines to mitigate the risks associated with turbulence.
