A recent incident in which 25 passengers were hospitalized after a Delta flight encountered severe turbulence highlights an alarming trend: scientists have linked a 55 percent increase in severe clear‑air turbulence over the North Atlantic since 1979 to climate change.

As jet streams become increasingly unstable with warmer global temperatures, wind shear intensifies, raising the probability of unpredictable and violent turbulence.

Aviation authorities and airlines are studying mitigation strategies, including earlier suspension of in‑flight service and enforcing seat belt use at all times.