Severe turbulence on an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Phoenix on December 26, 2024, caused significant disruption, injuring four crew members and one passenger. The incident occurred aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 9, flight AS 700, during its two-hour journey from Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Fortunately, despite the turbulence, the flight landed safely in Phoenix.

After the aircraft encountered intense turbulence, the crew immediately reported a medical emergency. Although the turbulence was severe, the flight continued without the need to divert. As a result, four crew members received medical attention at the airport, while one passenger sustained injuries but did not require hospitalization. Alaska Airlines praised its crew for their professionalism and quick thinking in handling the situation effectively.

Notably, this incident highlights the growing concern over turbulence-related disruptions in air travel. In recent years, turbulence incidents have drawn significant attention, prompting global aviation regulators to address the issue more seriously. During an international conference in Montreal, aviation leaders emphasized the need for airlines to collaborate and improve safety measures regarding turbulence-related risks.

Experts suggest that climate change plays a key role in the increasing frequency of turbulence, particularly clear-air turbulence. Unlike typical turbulence, clear-air turbulence occurs without visible cues such as clouds and is harder to predict. Studies show that clear-air turbulence over North America and the North Atlantic has risen by 55% between 1979 and 2020. With rising global temperatures, scientists predict that severe turbulence could increase even more by 2050.

To mitigate these effects, experts recommend enhancing turbulence forecasting systems. Moreover, reducing emissions within the aviation industry could help address the underlying causes of this issue. Understanding air patterns better will enable airlines to handle turbulence more effectively and improve passenger safety.

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