Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Aviation Safety and Operations

Climate change is increasingly influencing aviation safety, evidenced by rising turbulence and extreme weather events that have contributed to several incidents. Reports indicate a 55% surge in turbulence, particularly Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), which presents challenges for pilots. Specific impacts on Turkey’s aviation infrastructure illustrate a broader global concern that demands immediate action to mitigate risks and enhance safety measures.

As we enter 2025, the aviation industry continues to grapple with heightened fears associated with climate change, questioning whether it may contribute to increased flight incidents. Recent aviation tragedies, such as a seaplane crash in Australia, a fiery evacuation in South Korea, and a mid-air collision in Washington D.C., have reignited concerns about the safety of air travel amidst unpredictable weather patterns and catastrophic events attributed to climate change.

The connection between climate change and severe turbulence has drawn more attention since May 2022, when a Spice Jet flight suffered from extreme turbulence. Passengers described the aircraft as “bouncing up and down like a ball.” Similar incidents have occurred, including severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines in May 2024, resulting in a fatality, and an Air Europa flight that left 30 individuals injured due to unexpected turbulence.

Research conducted reveals a significant increase in Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) incidents, which are dangerous and difficult for pilots to predict and detect. Studies indicate that aircraft now encounter 55% more turbulence than in previous years. While severe turbulence can cause injuries, it is not typically sufficient to down an aircraft, but long-term trends suggest increased disruption for airlines and travelers alike.

The weakening of jet streams due to climate change is causing unpredictable weather patterns and turbulence increases. As global temperatures rise, the difference between polar and equatorial conditions decreases, resulting in faster-moving jet streams. This phenomenon can lead to harsher weather events, including storms and heavy rain, which disrupt aviation operations and increase flight costs.

Turkey’s aviation sector is facing specific challenges due to extreme weather conditions linked to climate change. Although Turkey has yet to experience a disaster conclusively linked to climate change, increased turbulence and operational disruptions are becoming more common. Recent flooding in Istanbul has caused significant delays at one of the world’s busiest airports, illustrating the direct impact of climate change.

The industry is also affected by higher temperatures, which reduce air density and complicate takeoffs. Airports may impose weight restrictions, resulting in delays and cancellations, particularly at facilities with shorter runways. Furthermore, stronger storms and winds pose safety threats, leading to diversions and increased operational costs across the board.

Experts warn that if proactive measures are not implemented, the aviation industry faces an uncertain future, with climate change potentially making air travel both risky and more expensive. It is crucial for aviation authorities and airlines to enhance forecasting capabilities, reinforce infrastructure, and enforce stringent safety protocols to combat these challenges effectively.

In summary, climate change poses significant risks to the aviation sector, manifesting in increased turbulence, severe weather incidents, and operational disruptions. Turkey’s aviation industry exemplifies the challenges faced globally, with flooding and extreme temperatures highlighting the vulnerabilities within the sector. As the impacts of climate change escalate, urgent action is required to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel moving forward.

Original Source: www.turkiyetoday.com