Icelandair Monitors Routes Amid Climate Change Concerns

Around 5,000 incidents of severe turbulence are logged globally each year. It’s a figure scientists warn could more than double in the coming decades as climate change alters weather patterns.

Research by the American Geophysical Union links rising turbulence to more powerful thunderstorms and “clear air” disturbances in otherwise calm skies.

Vísir reports that routes in Europe, including Geneva, Zurich and Milan, rank among the most turbulent. Another route known for its bumpy rides is to Denver in the United States. All happen to be served Icelandair.

The airline’s chief operating officer, Guðmundur Tómas Sigurðsson, said the company closely monitors forecasts, adjusts routes when needed, and shares data with other carriers.

“Turbulence itself is not dangerous; aircraft are built to withstand far worse,” he told the news agency, stressing the importance of wearing seatbelts even when the sign is off.

As of late, Icelandair has been testing artificial intelligence tools to predict turbulence more accurately. Beyond that, they say its pilots regularly operate in challenging but manageable conditions.

According to Guðmundur, passenger injuries are extremely rare, and Icelandic airspace is generally less prone to the violent storm clouds that cause the most severe jolts.