Airlines look to turbulence data, but shy from more seatbelt curbs

DUBAI - Airlines are showing more interest in turbulence prediction technology after two headline-grabbing incidents in recent weeks, but are holding back from making passengers stay in seatbelts at all times, according to global airline body Iata.

A dramatic loss of altitude on a Singapore Airlines flight in May led to dozens of injuries and the first death linked to plane turbulence in 25 years. Days later, 12 more were injured as a Qatar Airways flight hit turbulence.

"There is no silver bullet when it comes to turbulence. But more information, more data will definitely improve the situation," said Mr Nick Careen, senior vice-president, operations, safety and security, at the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

Aviation is seeing an increase in turbulence and incident reporting, but bad turbulence remains rare and the severity has not increased, Mr Careen said at Iata's annual gathering in Dubai.

Passengers aboard Singapore flight SQ321 said crew and those not strapped in left the floor and slammed into the cabin ceiling, cracking it in places.

The incident has put seatbelt practices in the spotlight, with airlines typically allowing passengers to undo belts during normal cruise conditions, while recommending they keep them on.

"I don't believe there is a conflict," Iata Director-General Willie Walsh told Reuters.

Mr Walsh and Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr - both former pilots - both said they always keep seatbelts fastened when flying.

Turbulence, or pockets of disturbed air, can cause a plane to shake or suddenly drop. It is the leading cause of in-flight injury, but usually causes no more than passenger unease.

2023 was aviation's safest by many parameters, and modern commercial jets are built to cope