Denver to Jackson Hole Tops List of Most Turbulent U.S. Flight Routes in 2025
DENVER, Colo. — For many airline passengers, turbulence is an unwelcome but familiar part of air travel. However, a recent comprehensive analysis of flight data from 2025 has shed light on which routes in North America are most prone to bumpy skies, with the Denver to Jackson Hole corridor emerging as the most turbulent.
The turbulence tracking organization Turbli analyzed nearly 10,000 flight routes connecting over 550 major airports worldwide, leveraging both recorded flight tracks and turbulence forecast data. Their findings, published earlier this month, ranked routes based on the eddy dissipation rate (EDR), a standard aviation metric used to quantify the roughness of air encountered during flights. The higher the EDR score, the greater the likelihood of turbulence, categorized from light to extreme.
According to Turbli’s data, the route between Denver International Airport and Jackson Hole Airport scored an average turbulence rating of 18.18, placing it at the top of the list for North America. This mountainous corridor is well-known among pilots for its challenging air currents caused by the Rocky Mountains’ complex terrain and rapidly changing weather patterns.
Other routes in the U.S. also featured prominently in the turbulence rankings, underscoring how geography and seasonal weather can impact passenger comfort and flight safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continually monitors turbulence reports and works with airlines to improve forecasting and pilot training to mitigate risks. Travelers can find turbulence advisories and safety tips on the FAA’s official website to better prepare for their journeys.
Turbulence is not only a discomfort but can pose safety risks, as demonstrated by recent incidents where severe turbulence forced flight diversions and caused injuries onboard. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts whenever seated, a simple yet effective measure to reduce injuries during unexpected turbulence.
In response to these findings, the Department of Transportation has reiterated its commitment to enhancing aviation safety through advanced weather prediction technologies and improved communication between air traffic control and flight crews. The agency’s efforts align with broader initiatives to minimize flight disruptions and ensure passenger well-being.
For travelers anxious about turbulence, experts recommend simple mental strategies such as controlled breathing and focusing on in-flight entertainment to ease anxiety. Meanwhile, airlines continue to invest in aircraft technology designed to better withstand turbulent conditions.
As the 2026 travel season unfolds, passengers flying through mountainous regions like the Rockies should remain aware of the potential for turbulence. Resources from the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation provide up-to-date information on flight safety and turbulence forecasts.
The full Turbli study highlights the importance of understanding turbulence patterns not only for passenger comfort but also for improving operational planning in the aviation industry. For more details on turbulence metrics and safety recommendations, travelers and aviation professionals can consult the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA’s turbulence resources.
As air travel continues to rebound and evolve, such data-driven insights will play a crucial role in shaping safer and more comfortable flights across the country.
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