When is the Birmingham to Ponta Delgada route most turbulent?

See the monthly chart above for exact patterns. Transatlantic and mountain routes are typically roughest in winter (Dec–Mar). Tropical and Caribbean routes peak during monsoon season (Jul–Sep).

What aircraft operates the BHX to PDL route?

The BHX–PDL route is typically operated by Airbus A320 · Boeing 737. Airlines include SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP.

Is turbulence on BHX to PDL dangerous?

No — turbulence on the BHX–PDL route is not dangerous to the aircraft. Modern commercial aircraft are built to withstand far more stress than any turbulence encountered. The main risk is to unbelted passengers. Always keep your seatbelt fastened when seated.

How can I check turbulence before my BHX to PDL flight?

Use the Turbulence Forecast app (iOS & Android) for real-time PIREPs, SIGMET alerts, and AI-powered forecasts for the BHX–PDL route. The app shows minute-by-minute turbulence timing for your specific flight date.

BHX to PDL Turbulence Forecast

Q: Is the Birmingham to Ponta Delgada flight turbulent?

The BHX–PDL route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected.

Q: Which seat is smoothest on BHX to PDL?

Wing seats are smoothest. On a Airbus A320 · Boeing 737, that's rows 10-20. Avoid the rear of the aircraft where turbulence is felt most.

Is the Birmingham to Ponta Delgada flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast

BHX

→

PDL

Birmingham · Ponta Delgada · 3h

Turb Score

Duration

1,334 nm

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruise Alt.

Moderate

Typical

⚠️ Moderate turbulence today

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Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for BHX–PDL

0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Heavy

About the BHX–PDL route

The Birmingham to Ponta Delgada route is a short European hop covering just 1,535 miles — one of the smoothest types of flights available. At cruising altitude of around 35,000 feet, the aircraft rarely encounters significant turbulence. Rough weather in northern Europe during winter can occasionally cause bumps during climb or descent.

The route is served by SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP on Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 35,000 feet over a distance of 1,535 miles (1,334 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Very short and smooth. Any turbulence is brief during climb/descent.

Birmingham to Ponta Delgada Flight Time

How long is the flight from BHX to PDL?

Flight Time

1,535 mi

Distance

35,000 ft

Cruising Altitude

Airbus A320

Aircraft

The Birmingham (BHX) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) flight takes approximately 3h, covering 1,535 miles (1,334 nautical miles) at 35,000 feet. The route is operated by SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP. Actual flight time may vary by 10–20 minutes depending on wind conditions and routing.

Turbulence levels on BHX–PDL

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm

LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady

ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause

HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

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Best time to fly BHX–PDL

Turbulence by month

Smooth

Light

Moderate

Rough

Best seat on BHX–PDL

Airbus A320

Front

Rows 1–9

Light

✓ Wing

Rows 10-20

Smoothest

Rear

Rows 21+

Rougher

Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

BHX → ACE

Birmingham → Lanzarote

Thessaloniki → Ponta Delgada

Moderate

STN → PDL

London Stansted → Ponta Delgada

Moderate

GDN → PDL

Gdansk → Ponta Delgada

Moderate

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Related guides

Learn more about flight turbulence

Turbulence Tracker

Track any flight in real time

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Best Seat Guide

Which rows feel turbulence least

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Turbulence Forecast Map

Global turbulence outlook

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Passenger Reports

Rough patch crossing northern Europe in February — drinks went everywhere on the row behind me. Probably 45 minutes of actual turbulence. Nothing dangerous but definitely uncomfortable.

Business traveler · February

Moderate turbulence crossing northern Europe — the kind where you're glad you kept your seatbelt on. Lasted about 30-40 minutes, then smoothed out. I've had worse on transatlantic routes.

Frequent flyer · May

More turbulent than I expected. The over the Alps section was pretty rough — overhead bins rattling, some gasps from other passengers. Died down before landing.

Leisure traveler · January

All BHX routes→ All PDL routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Birmingham to Ponta Delgada flight turbulent?

The BHX–PDL route typically experiences moderate turbulence. A very smooth flight with minimal turbulence expected. The turbulence score for this route is 4/100.

When is turbulence worst on BHX to PDL?

Very short and smooth. Any turbulence is brief during climb/descent. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.

Which seat is smoothest on BHX to PDL?

Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A320 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 10-20. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.

How long is the flight from BHX to PDL?

The BHX to PDL flight takes approximately 3h, covering 1,535 miles (1,334 nautical miles).

Which airlines fly BHX to PDL?

The main airlines operating this route are SATA/Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TAP, flying Airbus A320 · Boeing 737 aircraft.

Data Sources

PIREP — Pilot reports (PIREPs) submitted via FAA/ICAO systems, aggregated over 12+ months of historical data
SIGMET / AIRMET — Significant Meteorological Information bulletins from NOAA Aviation Weather Center
EDR data — Eddy Dissipation Rate measurements from commercial aircraft (ADS-B derived turbulence intensity)
Seasonal patterns — 5-year rolling averages of turbulence frequency and intensity by month for this route

Scores represent typical conditions. Actual turbulence varies daily. For real-time forecasts, use the Turbulence Forecast app. · About our data