Not all flight paths are the same when it comes to turbulence, which can vary widely. A recent study from turbulence tracking company Turbli highlighted the flight routes most prone to turbulence both in the U.S. and globally, specifically for 2025.
The analysis, which involved examining recorded flight trajectories and turbulence prediction, encompassed roughly 10,000 routes connecting over 550 major airports worldwide. Turbulence was gauged using a metric called eddy dissipation rate (EDR), which provides insight into how turbulent the air can be during flights.
Routes were ranked by average turbulence levels, classifying EDR values as mild, moderate, moderate to severe, severe, or extreme. The findings suggested that higher EDR scores correlate with a greater likelihood of turbulence for passengers.
In terms of the roughest routes in North America for 2025, here are the key contenders:
1. From Denver International Airport (DEN) to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
This 406-mile journey recorded the highest average turbulence score in North America at 18.18, landing it firmly in the mild turbulence category.
2. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Denver International Airport (DEN)
This route, which stretches about 349 miles, also achieved a turbulence score of 18.18, putting it in the mild range. Interestingly, it had the highest average turbulence score (17.45) in 2024, according to Turbli.
3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Covering around 325 miles, this route registered an average turbulence score of 17.68, which is still considered mild in terms of turbulence severity.
4. From Denver International Airport (DEN) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Flights on this approximately 391-mile route noted an average turbulence score of 17.54, also categorized as mild.
5. From Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) to Denver International Airport (DEN)
A flight covering about 824 miles between Bozeman and Denver recorded an average score of 17.22, again in the mild turbulence category.
Looking at turbulence outside the U.S., routes in South America and Asia exhibited the most turbulence, especially those traversing the mountainous regions of Chile, Argentina, and western China.
Countries in Europe, Oceania, and Africa generally report lower average turbulence levels, although some shorter flights still rank high within their specific regions.
While turbulence can be unsettling for many, the Federal Aviation Administration emphasizes that it’s a normal aspect of flying, often unpredictable even in clear skies. The agency advises that passengers keep their seat belts fastened while seated, as many turbulence-related injuries occur when belts are unbuckled. Additionally, pilots and airlines utilize weather data and predictive tools to limit exposure to turbulence whenever feasible.
