The Impact of Climate Change on Aviation Safety and Operations

Amid rising aviation incidents linked to climate change, experts express growing concerns regarding safety. Significant turbulence and extreme weather events have notably affected the industry, prompting calls for improvements in forecasting and infrastructure resilience. Turkey, in particular, faces unique challenges relating to its civil aviation sector as it grapples with the effects of changing climate patterns.

In light of numerous aviation incidents attributed to climate change, concerns have intensified within the industry. Critical events, including a seaplane crash in Australia, a fiery evacuation in South Korea, and a mid-air collision in Washington D.C., have raised alarm bells. Experts are increasingly connecting climate change-related phenomena, such as wildfires and erratic weather, to aviation safety, urging a deeper examination of their impact on air travel.

Previously overlooked, the connection between extreme weather and aviation safety gained attention following various turbulence-related incidents in 2022 and 2024. The notable Spice Jet turbulence incident left passengers injured, echoing similar distress on an Airblue flight amid inclement weather. Such cases underline the necessity of tightening seat belts, as turbulence becomes more common and increasingly unpredictable due to climate shifts.

Research from the University of Reading highlights a 55% increase in air turbulence over the past four years, indicating a troubling trend that could further jeopardize passenger safety. While severe turbulence does not typically endanger aircraft stability, the elevated occurrence of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) poses significant risks for pilots navigating unpredictable conditions. As air travel rises, it bears the brunt of the worsening atmospheric crises it simultaneously contributes to.

The role of jet streams—vital atmospheric currents crucial for weather patterns and aviation efficiency—cannot be overstated. With global warming tarnishing the temperature gradient between the poles and the equator, jet streams weaken, potentially altering aviation routes. Furthermore, research predicts a substantial increase in jet stream wind speeds due to climate change, exacerbating extreme weather risks and operational costs in aviation.

In Turkey, the impacts of climate change pose challenges for the aviation sector, causing operational disruptions and increasing safety concerns. Though Turkey has not directly associated climate disasters with aviation, notable events like severe flooding in Istanbul have threatened airport infrastructure and led to flight cancellations. Additionally, heightened temperatures may complicate takeoffs, particularly at airports with constraints such as shorter runways.

Overall, the increased occurrence of severe storms and winds exacerbated by climate change can hinder safe landings and takeoffs, adding operational costs and flight delays. As aviation experts caution against the looming threats of climate change, it becomes imperative for industry stakeholders to prioritize forecasting capabilities and infrastructure resilience to mitigate these risks effectively.

In conclusion, the intertwining issues of climate change and aviation safety pose significant challenges. Instances of turbulence and unpredictable weather patterns jeopardize passenger safety and escalate operational costs in the aviation industry. To address these risks, aviation authorities and airlines must adapt their practices to improve resilience and forecasting, ultimately safeguarding air travel in a changing climate.

Original Source: www.turkiyetoday.com