Severe turbulence caused injuries to seven people on a United Airlines flight from Cancun in Mexico to Chicago and forced an emergency landing in Memphis, according to the airline.
The Boeing 737 was hit by the rough weather and forced to land on Wednesday in the latest such incident to hit the industry. One person was taken to hospital.
United flight 1196 diverted to Memphis … after encountering a brief period of severe turbulence while the seatbelt sign was on … Paramedics met the aircraft at the gate and transported one passenger to the hospital,” the airline said in a statement.
In May a Singapore Airlines flight saw one passenger killed and 71 people injured after encountering severe turbulence. The plane dropped 54 meters in altitude in less than five seconds and diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing.
Though such injuries are rare, experts believe severe turbulence might be becoming a more serious and frequent threat in the face of the global climate crisis and changing weather patterns. A study by the University of Reading reported that incidents of severe turbulence jumped by 55% over the past four decades as more extreme weather has become more common.
In an alarming incident on Wednesday, a United Airlines flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago was forced to make an emergency landing in Memphis after encountering severe turbulence. The Boeing 737, carrying passengers on United flight 1196, was struck by rough weather, causing injuries to seven people onboard. Paramedics met the aircraft at the gate, where one passenger was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The airline stated that the turbulence occurred while the seatbelt sign was on, underscoring the unpredictability and potential danger of such incidents. “United flight 1196 diverted to Memphis due to a brief period of severe turbulence. Paramedics met the aircraft at the gate and transported one passenger to the hospital,” the airline confirmed in a statement.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend in aviation, where episodes of severe turbulence are not only becoming more frequent but also more intense. In May of this year, a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence, leading to the tragic death of one passenger and injuries to 71 others. The plane, which dropped 54 meters in less than five seconds, was forced to divert to Bangkok for an emergency landing.
While turbulence has long been a concern for air travelers, these recent incidents suggest that the threat may be escalating. Experts point to the global climate crisis as a significant factor in the increased severity and frequency of turbulence events.
Turbulence is typically caused by variations in air pressure, jet streams, mountain waves, and thunderstorms. However, with the ongoing changes in global weather patterns, turbulence is becoming more unpredictable and severe.
A study conducted by the University of Reading revealed that incidents of severe turbulence have jumped by 55% over the past four decades. The study attributes this rise to the increasing intensity of weather systems influenced by climate change. As the Earth’s atmosphere warms, the temperature gradients in the atmosphere become more pronounced, leading to stronger jet streams and, consequently, more turbulent air.
Dr. Paul Williams, a leading researcher on climate change and turbulence at the University of Reading, explained, “Turbulence is increasing in all flight levels, and the most dangerous kind, clear-air turbulence, is becoming more common. Unlike turbulence associated with storms, clear-air turbulence is difficult to detect and can occur without any visible warning signs, catching pilots and passengers off guard.”
The aviation industry is facing mounting challenges as it grapples with the implications of climate change. Not only does the industry contribute to global emissions, but it is also increasingly vulnerable to the consequences of those emissions. The rise in severe turbulence incidents is just one of the ways that climate change is impacting air travel.
Dr. David Houghton, an expert in aviation meteorology, emphasized the need for the industry to adapt to these new realities. “As climate change continues to progress, we are likely to see more frequent and intense turbulence. The industry must invest in better forecasting tools and technologies to detect and avoid turbulence, as well as enhance aircraft design and passenger safety protocols.”
In response to these growing concerns, airlines and aviation authorities are working to improve safety measures. Modern aircraft are equipped with advanced turbulence detection systems, and pilots receive extensive training on how to handle turbulence. However, as turbulence becomes more severe and unpredictable, these measures may need to be further enhanced.
Passengers are also advised to take precautions, such as always wearing their seatbelts when seated, even if the seatbelt sign is off. The recent United Airlines incident highlights the importance of this advice, as the injuries occurred while the seatbelt sign was illuminated.
Moreover, the aviation industry is exploring ways to mitigate the effects of climate change on air travel. This includes investing in more sustainable aviation technologies, improving flight routing to avoid turbulent areas, and developing better predictive models to forecast turbulence more accurately.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the aviation industry must adapt to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. The increase in severe turbulence is a stark reminder of the broader environmental challenges we face and the urgent need for action.
While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like the one involving United flight 1196 serve as a wake-up call. The industry, regulators, and passengers must work together to navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate. This includes not only responding to immediate threats but also addressing the root causes of climate change to create a safer and more sustainable future for air travel.
As researchers continue to study the links between climate change and turbulence, it is clear that the skies are becoming more unpredictable. The aviation industry must remain vigilant and proactive in its efforts to protect passengers and crews from the increasing risks associated with severe turbulence.
The recent emergency landing of United Airlines flight 1196 due to severe turbulence is part of a broader pattern of increasing turbulence incidents. With climate change contributing to more extreme and unpredictable weather, the aviation industry faces significant challenges in maintaining safety standards. As the frequency and severity of turbulence events rise, it is crucial for airlines, regulators, and passengers to take proactive steps to mitigate these risks and adapt to the changing realities of air travel.