The World's Bumpiest Flights, Ranked

A new study by turbulence-tracking site Turbli has revealed the world’s most turbulent flight routes—and let’s just say some of these flights are more of a bronco ride than a Boeing cruise.

Using real-time atmospheric data, Turbli ranked over 150,000 routes based on turbulence intensity. Here’s what they found.

The Top 5 Most Turbulent Routes in the World

According to Turbli, these routes had the highest average turbulence (measured in Eddy Dissipation Rate):

1. Santiago, Chile (SCL) – Santa Cruz, Bolivia (VVI)

2. Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA) – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (FRU)

3. Lanzhou, China (LHW) – Chengdu, China (CTU)

4. Xianyang, China (XIY) – Chengdu, China (CTU)

5. Osaka, Japan (KIX) – Sendai, Japan (SDJ)

Other routes high on the bump-o-meter include Quito–Bogotá, Milan–Geneva, and any arrival into airports like Denver (altitude + mountain wave = yikes) or Tokyo Narita during crosswinds.

What Causes These Wild Rides?

Most of the choppy routes occur in mountainous regions like the Andes, Alps, and the Himalayas—hotbeds for clear-air turbulence and mountain waves. Add in strong jet streams, rapidly changing wind patterns, and convection over tropical regions, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for turbulence that no seatbelt sign can stay off for long.

Why This Matters for Airline Staff and Passriders

If you’re flying nonrev or commuting, turbulence isn’t just about spilled coffee—it can impact:

• Flight schedules: Severe turbulence can cause delays or diversions, complicating your tight connection or reroute.

• Cabin experience: Jumpseaters and might get the rockiest ride of all.

• Aircraft swaps or cancellations: Turbulence forecasts can influence crew legality, aircraft assignments, and dispatch decisions.

Oh—and if you’re working the flight? Maybe leave the drink cart in the galley until the ride smooths out.

Pro Tips for Avoiding the Bumps

• Morning flights are typically smoother. Turbulence builds throughout the day with atmospheric heating.

• Aft = rougher. If you’re choosing a seat, sit closer to the wings for less motion.

• Use the apps. Tools like Turbli or Turbulence Forecast give turbulence forecasts per route—especially helpful if you’re not a fan of bumpy rides.

A Fun Fact for Your Jumpseat Chat

The Santiago–Santa Cruz route has topped the list two years in a row. Why? The Andes Mountains create powerful wave turbulence, and flights on this route fly perpendicular to the peaks—maximizing the rollercoaster effect.

Final Thoughts

Nonrevving into Santiago? Pack your dramamine. Flying to Sendai for cherry blossom season? Maybe aim for an early morning slot. And if you’re working a route known for bumps—bless your service cart and watch your elbows.

Have you ever flown one of these routes?

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