Explore the Most Turbulent Flight Routes in the U.S. for 2025

Turbulence is an unavoidable aspect of air travel, and not all flight routes experience it equally. According to a recent report from the turbulence tracking platform Turbli, various flight paths within the United States stand out for their turbulence levels.

Turbli’s analysis encompassed nearly 10,000 flight routes that connect over 550 major airports worldwide. The evaluation utilized both recorded flight tracks and turbulence forecast data to identify which routes pose the most turbulent experiences for passengers.

Understanding Turbulence Measurements

The report focused on turbulence as measured through the eddy dissipation rate, commonly referred to as EDR. This standard aviation metric quantifies how rough the air can become during a flight. Routes are sorted based on their average turbulence levels, which can fall into categories such as light, moderate, moderate-to-severe, severe, and extreme.

The routes with higher average EDR scores are statistically more likely to subject passengers to turbulence. As travelers prepare for their journeys, being informed about these routes can help manage flight anxiety.

The Most Turbulent Routes in North America

For 2025, Turbli revealed the most turbulent flight routes in North America. The data indicated that the flight between Albuquerque (ABQ) and Denver (DEN) recorded the highest average turbulence score at 18.18, categorizing it within the light turbulence range. This route spans approximately 406 miles.

Another notable route is the one from ABQ to DEN, which covers about 349 miles and also registered an average turbulence score of 18.18, placing it in the same light turbulence category.

An additional flight route covering around 205 miles showed an average score of 17.68. Despite its relatively short distance, this path still maintains a light turbulence classification due to its EDR readings.

Evaluating Past Data

Interestingly, the ABQ to DEN route previously ranked the highest in average turbulence for 2024, logging a score of 17.45 according to Turbli’s findings.

Another route, spanning roughly 391 miles, recorded an average turbulence score of 17.54, maintaining its classification within the light turbulence bracket.

In addition, flights connecting Bozeman and Denver reported an average turbulence reading of 17.22 across approximately 524 miles, further demonstrating the prevalence of light turbulence across these values.

Global Perspectives on Turbulence

Beyond the United States, Turbli’s findings indicate that turbulence is most pronounced in certain regions, especially in South America and parts of Asia. Flights traversing mountainous areas in countries such as Chile, Argentina, and western China are particularly susceptible to turbulence.

In contrast, routes throughout Europe, Oceania, and Africa generally exhibit lower turbulence levels. Nonetheless, some short-haul flights within these regions also demonstrate significant turbulence potential, showcasing the unpredictable nature of air travel.

Safety and Turbulence Management

Although turbulence can be unsettling for passengers, the Federal Aviation Administration emphasizes that it is a routine aspect of flying and can be unpredictable, even during seemingly clear skies. To enhance safety, the FAA recommends that travelers keep their seat belts fastened whenever seated, as most turbulence-related injuries occur when individuals are not buckled in.

Pilots and airlines are equipped with weather data and forecasting tools that help minimize exposure to turbulence whenever feasible. By utilizing these resources, the aviation industry seeks to improve the flying experience for all passengers.