Clear air turbulence on commercial planes is due to triple in less than four decades, revealed the research.
The study from the University of Reading is the first to analyse the effects of climate change on turbulence.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how clear-air turbulence will be impacted by global warming between 2050 and 2080.
Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is the most dangerous type of bumpy patch in the air.
It can’t be detected on radars and is powerful enough to throw both passengers and luggage around the plane cabin.
Findings revealed flights around Europe will see this type of turbulence spike by 160 per cent.
Transatlantic routes could see an increase of up to 180 per cent.
Professor Paul Williams, who led the study, said: “Air turbulence is increasing across the globe, in all seasons and at multiple cruising altitudes.
“This problem is only going to worsen as the climate continues to change.
“Our study highlights the need to develop improved turbulence forecasts, which could reduce the risk of injuries to passengers and lower the cost of turbulence to airlines.”
Dr Manoj Joshi, who also worked on the study, said: “The study is another example of how the impacts of climate change can be felt through the circulation of the atmosphere, not just through increases in surface temperature itself.”
As a result of the increase in turbulence, researchers expect injuries to also triple by 2050.
CAT is one of the main reasons passengers are urged to wear their seat belts even when the seatbelt sign has been switched off.
There have been several incidents this year alone when multiple passengers were injured in bouts of severe turbulence.
