Greater Air Turbulence Above Atlantic Will Make Cheap Air Tickets Pricier By Mid-Century

A recent study, and the first of its kind, has examined the role of air turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean in altering the flight patterns of cross-Atlantic region. This region sees daily 600 international flights to and from America and Europe. The scope of study focused on these flights and examined that given the current changes in weather patterns, especially of the winds and turbulences, how will the aviation be impacted in mid-century.

The study has concluded that air turbulence will increase in times to come and there will be more costs attached to the consequent flight patterns. As turbulence grows, there will be more passenger jolts, injuries, damage to the airplanes, seat belts will have to be always put on and it will be difficult to walk or have meals or drinks and there will be more changes in the flight paths in order to avoid the turbulent zones which will increase the fuel consumption and hence the cost of otherwise cheap air tickets.

The study has revealed that the strength of these turbulences will increase by about 10 t0 40 percent on North Atlantic region. In terms of area, there is a greater probability of the area covered under turbulent zone increases by about 100 percent. So, both the intensity and the areal coverage of turbulent zone will increase significantly.

The financial impact will be significant as well since there will be more frequent requirement of repairs and maintenance, increased costs due to more passenger queries, more fuel consumption due to frequent flight path changes and other reasons. It will also make the air travel a lot more difficult as passengers will be restricted from movements and constrained on having meals or drinks.