Fast Facts

The turbulence rankings for 2024, released by Turbli, highlight key trends in aviation. Christchurch has emerged as the most turbulent airport in Oceania, while Wellington, ranked third, has lost its previous top spot. Hobart now occupies second place. Notably, no New Zealand airports feature in the global top 10 for turbulence this year.

Understanding Turbulence

Turbulence is measured using the eddy dissipation rate (EDR). This scale categorises turbulence levels as follows:

•  Light: 0–20
•  Moderate: 20–40
•  Strong: 40–60
•  Severe: 60–80
•  Extreme: 80–100

These metrics provide a clear understanding of turbulence intensity on various routes and at airports worldwide.

Key Rankings in Oceania

Christchurch to Wellington has been identified as the most turbulent route in Oceania. The rankings for airports in this region reveal the following:

• Christchurch airport recorded an EDR of 14.992, placing it at the top.
• Hobart follows with an EDR of 14.686.
• Wellington comes in third with 14.106.

Despite their high turbulence levels, both Christchurch and Wellington have seen a reduction in EDR since 2023.

Global Rankings

Globally, Santiago, Chile, is the most turbulent airport, with an EDR of 23.065. Mendoza, Argentina, takes second place with 22.042. Additionally, the most turbulent flight route worldwide connects Mendoza and Santiago.

Oceania’s Top Turbulent Airports

In Oceania, the following airports ranked highest for average turbulence in 2024:

1. Christchurch
2. Hobart
3. Wellington
4. Brisbane
5. Sydney
6. Melbourne
7. Adelaide
8. Perth
9. Auckland
10. Nuku’alofa

Global Top Turbulent Airports

The global list of airports with the highest turbulence includes:

1. Santiago, Chile
2. Mendoza, Argentina
3. Salta, Argentina
4. Kathmandu, Nepal
5. Lhasa, China
6. Paro, Bhutan
7. Xining, China
8. Denver, USA
9. Kabul, Afghanistan
10. Bozeman, USA

Oceania’s Top Turbulent Routes

The most turbulent routes in Oceania for 2024 are:

1. Christchurch (CHC) – Wellington (WLG)
2. Brisbane (BNE) – Sydney (SYD)
3. Hobart (HBA) – Melbourne (MEL)
4. Melbourne (MEL) – Sydney (SYD)
5. Brisbane (BNE) – Nadi (NAN)
6. Auckland (AKL) – Nadi (NAN)
7. Avarua (RAR) – Papeete (PPT)
8. Babelthuap Island (ROR) – Brisbane (BNE)
9. Nadi (NAN) – Wellington (WLG)
10. Auckland (AKL) – Wellington (WLG)

Conclusion

The 2024 turbulence rankings reveal significant shifts, particularly in Oceania. Christchurch has overtaken Wellington as the most turbulent airport in the region. Globally, airports in South America dominate the rankings, with Santiago and Mendoza leading the list. By understanding turbulence patterns, airlines and passengers can better prepare for potentially rough flights.

Engagement and Thoughts

What are your thoughts on the turbulence rankings for 2024? Have you experienced a bumpy landing at any of these airports or on these routes? With Christchurch overtaking Wellington as the most turbulent airport in Oceania and South America dominating global rankings, turbulence remains a key challenge for air travel.

Interestingly, despite their turbulence, Christchurch and Wellington no longer feature in the global top 10, highlighting a possible improvement in conditions. Meanwhile, Santiago and Mendoza’s turbulence levels underline the geographical and meteorological challenges in the Andes region.

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