Based on historical EDR (eddy dissipation rate) data and thousands of pilot reports, these are the most turbulent commercial routes in the world — ranked and explained.
Our turbulence scores are derived from: (1) Historical PIREP data — thousands of pilot turbulence reports per route averaged over years, (2) EDR measurements — automated eddy dissipation rate readings from aircraft sensors, (3) SIGMET frequency — how often official severe turbulence warnings are issued for each route, (4) Seasonal weighting — worst-month scores used as the ranking metric. Scores are normalized 1–25, where 25 = most turbulent routes in the world (Andes crossings).
The Andes Mountains in South America produce the highest turbulence scores on earth. Santiago (SCL) to Mendoza (MDZ) averages an EDR of 22.98 — nearly four times the global average for severe turbulence. The Andes reach 22,000+ feet, and strong westerly winds create mountain wave turbulence that extends to and above cruise altitude. Any flight crossing the Andes — Santiago–Buenos Aires via the mountain pass, Córdoba–Santiago, La Paz–Santiago — scores extremely high.
Jackson Hole (JAC) to Denver (DEN) is the most turbulent US domestic route. Aspen (ASE) to Denver, Bozeman (BZN) to Denver, and Grand Junction (GJT) to Denver all score in the severe range. The Rockies create mountain wave turbulence that extends 50–100 miles downwind of the peaks. Any flight approaching Denver from the west crosses the Front Range — one of the most reliably turbulent zones in North America.
Ranked by historical turbulence score — click any route for details