2025’s Most Turbulent Flights and Airports Revealed

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Hold on tight as we take you through the shakiest routes and airports to watch out for in 2025!

If you’ve flown in 2024, you might have packed a little extra patience—because some flight routes and airports are set to test your stomach. According to Turbli.com’s latest rankings, here are the most turbulent spots you’ll want to know about.

Most Turbulent Routes Worldwide

South America is where the bumps are most intense this year. The flight from Mendoza, Argentina to Santiago, Chile, has been crowned the most turbulent flight with an average turbulence rating of 24.6 (that’s a lot of shaking). This 121-mile route is notorious for its moderate turbulence, so buckle up if you’re heading that way.

Other Argentine flights also made the list, like Cordoba to Santiago and Mendoza to Salta. If you’re flying around Argentina, prepare for a few jolts along the way.

  • Mendoza (MDZ) to Santiago (SCL) – Argentina to Chile (EDR 24.6)
  • Cordoba (COR) to Santiago (SCL) – Argentina to Chile (EDR 20)
  • Mendoza (MDZ) to Salta (SLA) – Argentina (EDR 19)
  • Mendoza (MDZ) to San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) – Argentina (EDR 18.9)
  • Kathmandu (KTM) to Lhasa (LXA) – Nepal to Tibet (EDR 18.8)

Most Turbulent Routes in North America

In North America, expect a bumpy ride between Albuquerque and Denver. This flight ranks highest for turbulence in the U.S. with an average of 17.7 on the turbulence scale. Denver, in general, seems to be the turbulence hub, with other flights like Denver to Jackson Hole and Denver to Salt Lake City also making the list.

  • Albuquerque (ABQ) to Denver (DEN) – New Mexico to Colorado (EDR 17.7)
  • Denver (DEN) to Jackson (JAC) – Colorado to Wyoming (EDR 17.4)
  • Jackson (JAC) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – Wyoming to Utah (EDR 17.2)
  • Denver (DEN) to Salt Lake City (SLC) – Colorado to Utah (EDR 16.9)
  • Bozeman (BZN) to Denver (DEN) – Montana to Colorado (EDR 16.8)

Most Turbulent Routes in Europe

Europe isn’t free of turbulence either. The route from Nice, France to Geneva, Switzerland, tops the list for Europe with a turbulence rating of 16. If you’re flying over the Alps or between Swiss cities, don’t be surprised if things get a little bumpy.

  • Nice (NCE) to Geneva (GVA) – France to Switzerland (EDR 16)
  • Nice (NCE) to Zurich (ZRH) – France to Switzerland (EDR 15.9)
  • Milan (MXP) to Zurich (ZRH) – Italy to Switzerland (EDR 15.8)
  • Ferno (MXP) to Lyon (LYS) – Italy to France (EDR 15.7)
  • Nice (NCE) to Basel (BSL) – France to Switzerland (EDR 15.6)

Most Turbulent Routes in Oceania

Over in Oceania, Christchurch to Wellington in New Zealand is the most turbulent flight. But don’t worry, it’s on the lighter side, with an average turbulence rating of 14. Brisbane to Sydney also makes the list, but again, it’s a mild shake rather than a full-on rollercoaster.

  • Christchurch (CHC) to Wellington (WLG) – New Zealand (EDR 14)
  • Brisbane (BNE) to Sydney (SYD) – Australia (EDR 14)
  • Hobart (HBA) to Melbourne (MEL) – Australia (EDR 13.9)
  • Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD) – Australia (EDR 13.8)
  • Brisbane (BNE) to Nadi (NAN) – Australia to Fiji (EDR 13.6)

Bumpiest Airports

Certain airports are notorious for turbulence too. Santiago, Mendoza, and Salta in Argentina are some of the bumpiest places to land. In the U.S., airports like Denver and Bozeman also make the list for high turbulence.

  • Santiago (SCL) – Chile (EDR 23)
  • Mendoza (MDZ) – Argentina (EDR 22)
  • Salta (SLA) – Argentina (EDR 20)
  • Kathmandu (KTM) – Nepal (EDR 18.6)
  • Lhasa (LXA) – Tibet (EDR 18.1)

Most Turbulent Airports in North America

  • Denver (DEN) – Colorado (EDR 17.2)
  • Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN) – Montana (EDR 17)
  • Albuquerque (ABQ) – New Mexico (EDR 16.8)
  • Salt Lake City (SLC) – Utah (EDR 16.7)
  • Jackson Hole (JAC) – Wyoming (EDR 16.6)

Most Turbulent Airports in Europe

  • Turin (TRN) – Italy (EDR 16.2)
  • Milan (MXP) – Italy (EDR 16.1)
  • Geneva (GVA) – Switzerland (EDR 16)
  • Bergamo (BGY) – Italy (EDR 15.9)
  • Zurich (ZRH) – Switzerland (EDR 15.8)

Why the Bumps?

Climate change has caused turbulence to increase, making flights a bit bumpier than in the past. However, while turbulence may feel uncomfortable, it’s extremely unlikely to cause any danger to your flight. Pilots are trained to navigate it, and aircraft are designed to handle it. So don’t worry, just fasten your seatbelt and ride it out!

Now, you know where the bumpy skies are! Stay prepared for your next flight, and remember, turbulence is just part of the adventure!

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