Full Breakdown
Turbulence Rankings: The Most Bumpy Flight Routes in 2025
1/30/2026, 12:08:47 AM
Overview of Turbulence Analysis
A recent report from the turbulence tracking site Turbli has identified the most turbulence-prone flight routes in the United States and globally for 2025. The analysis examined nearly 10,000 flight routes connecting over 550 major airports, utilizing recorded flight tracks and turbulence forecast data. Turbulence was quantified using the eddy dissipation rate (EDR), a standard aviation metric that measures air roughness during flights. Routes were categorized based on their average EDR scores, which ranged from light to extreme turbulence.
Most Turbulent Routes in North America
The report highlighted several routes in North America that are particularly prone to turbulence:
1. Denver International Airport (DEN) to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) - This 406-mile route recorded the highest average turbulence score in North America at 18.18, categorized as light turbulence.
2. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Denver International Airport (DEN) - Spanning approximately 349 miles, this route also achieved an average turbulence score of 18.18, maintaining its light turbulence classification from the previous year.
3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) - Covering about 205 miles, this route recorded an average turbulence score of 17.68, placing it in the light turbulence category.
4. Denver International Airport (DEN) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) - This 391-mile route logged an average turbulence score of 17.54, also categorized as light turbulence.
5. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) to Denver International Airport (DEN) - Flights between Bozeman and Denver recorded an average turbulence reading of 17.22 over a distance of approximately 524 miles, qualifying it as light turbulence.
Global Turbulence Trends
Beyond North America, Turbli's rankings indicated that turbulence is most pronounced on routes in South America and Asia, particularly those traversing mountainous regions in Chile, Argentina, and western China. In contrast, routes in Europe, Oceania, and Africa generally exhibited lower average turbulence levels, although some short-haul flights still ranked high within their respective regions.
Safety Considerations
While turbulence can be unsettling for passengers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has emphasized that it is a normal aspect of air travel and can be unpredictable, even in clear skies. The FAA advises that passengers keep their seat belts fastened while seated, as most turbulence-related injuries occur when individuals are not buckled in. Airlines and pilots utilize weather data and forecasting tools to minimize turbulence exposure whenever feasible.
Conclusion
The findings from Turbli's analysis provide valuable insights into the turbulence levels passengers may encounter on various flight routes in 2025. Understanding these patterns can help travelers prepare for their journeys and enhance their overall flying experience.
